Contractors barred from participate in any bidding processes for municipal corporation contracts for next three years

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has taken a stringent step against contractors who failed to deposit funds into the Workers' Welfare Fund. These contractors have been blacklisted and will not be eligible to participate in any bidding processes for Thane Municipal Corporation contracts for the next three years.

An official informed that this move by the Municipal Corporation highlights their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of workers, ensuring that contractors fulfil their responsibilities towards their employees and the Workers' Welfare Fund.

The Municipal Corporation had enlisted contractors responsible for road cleaning and maintenance in Group No. 18. These contractors were required to collect contributions from their workers for the Workers' Welfare Fund, pool these contributions, and deposit the funds into the designated account. However, it has come to light that several contractors failed to adhere to this requirement.

The Municipal Corporation discovered that a substantial amount of money intended for the Workers' Welfare Fund had been diverted. Consequently, these contractors have been placed on the blacklist, preventing them from participating in any bidding processes for TMC contracts for the next three years.

The outstanding security deposit and diverted funds have been successfully collected from these contractors and transferred to the Workers' Welfare Fund account. This action ensures that the workers' welfare is safeguarded, and the contractors are held accountable for their obligations.

In addition to addressing the financial aspect, the Municipal Commissioner of Thane, Abhijit Bangar, has emphasised the utmost priority given to the welfare of workers involved in cleanliness and maintenance work across the city. He also stressed the need for contractors to adhere to labour laws and ensure the regular health check-ups of their employees and their families.