GUWAHATI: In a united display of dissent, contractors from across Assam assembled under the banner of the Greater Guwahati Road Division Contractors Association (GGRDCA) at AEI Field, Chandmari on Wednesday, April 23, to protest against the recent hike in registration fees imposed by the Public Works Department (PWD) for road construction tenders.
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The special meeting, attended by representatives from almost every district, addressed the growing frustration among contractors over what they describe as an “unjust and unbearable” financial burden. The controversial decision includes not just a steep increase in registration fees but also introduces a non-refundable clause—something contractors say will severely impact their ability to bid for work, particularly for smaller and independent players.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Jyotirmoy Sarma, president of GGRDCA, stated, “The meeting was about the hike in registration fees and the non-refundable criteria, which is a matter of concern for most of the contractors. This will sabotage the future of contractors and will force several to leave this profession.”
Another contractor added that contractors, despite their pivotal role in Assam’s infrastructural development, have long been struggling with delayed payments and bureaucratic hurdles. “We have completed projects and restored roads even without clearance of bills. That was difficult. Now, this decision has shattered our aspirations,”.
Other contractors echoed Sarma’s concerns, pointing fingers at the state authorities for failing to respond to their earlier appeals. “The problem can only be solved by the Chief Minister of Assam. We have raised this issue at the district level and even with the PWD commissioner, but to no avail,” said a contractor from Nagaon. “We have made numerous official attempts to secure a meeting with the Chief Minister but have been unsuccessful. Now we must unite and formally request the CM to reconsider the decision.”
According to information accessed from a recent circular issued by the PWD (Roads), the registration fees for different contractor categories have been revised significantly, with increases ranging from 50% to over 100% in some cases. Additionally, the clause that renders these fees non-refundable has been criticised for its potential to dissuade fair competition and discourage participation from financially constrained contractors.
The move has been viewed by many in the fraternity as a step towards excluding smaller firms and consolidating work in the hands of a few influential players. A contractor from Lakhimpur remarked, “This is not reform. This is exclusion. Only big contractors will survive under this new system.”
The meeting culminated in a unanimous decision to form an All Assam Contractors’ Association—an umbrella body aimed at coordinating protests, holding dialogue with government officials, and protecting the interests of contractors across the state in the long term.
As of now, the Assam government has not issued any official clarification on the backlash. However, sources within the department suggest that the hike was implemented as part of a broader revenue rationalisation strategy. The notice was out in August 2023 but the recent implementation in April 2025 have made matters worse.
With no signs of retreat from the contractors' side, pressure continues to mount on the Chief Minister’s Office. Whether the state government will reconsider its stance remains to be seen.
