Bhubaneswar, Feb 20: A large group of contractors gathered near PMG Square on Friday to protest what they described as irregularities in the state government’s tender policy.

Demonstrating under the banner of the Odisha Contractors’ Association Joint Forum, the protesters pressed for the implementation of their eight-point charter of demands. Holding placards and raising slogans, they called on the government to reassess recent amendments to the tendering process for various public works.

The contractors alleged that the new changes to the tender system could undermine transparency in the allocation of construction projects. Although government contracts are typically awarded through a tender process to promote fairness and openness, they claimed that certain recently introduced provisions might open the door to manipulation during bid submissions.

Association leaders further contended that the revised guidelines are framed in a way that may disadvantage genuinely eligible contractors while enabling officials to favour select individuals.

The forum members warned that they would escalate their protest and begin an indefinite agitation if the government fails to address their concerns.