Harish Rao Slams Government Over Pending Mana Ooru - Mana Badi Dues

Former minister T. Harish Rao has sharply criticized the Telangana government for failing to clear pending bills owed to civil contractors who executed works under the flagship Mana Ooru - Mana Badi programme, warning that the delay is pushing small contractors into financial ruin and disrupting school infrastructure improvements.

Speaking in Hyderabad, Harish Rao said several contractors met him recently to describe their hardships after completing works more than two and a half years ago without receiving payment. He accused the current administration of neglecting their grievances and raised the issue publicly, stating that nearly 1,500 small contractors are yet to receive dues.

Launched by the previous BRS government , the Mana Ooru - Mana Badi initiative was designed to modernize government schools across Telangana. The programme focused on upgrading classrooms, sanitation facilities, drinking water systems, electrification, compound walls, furniture, and digital learning infrastructure. With significant public investment, the initiative aimed to improve learning environments for students from economically weaker backgrounds and strengthen confidence in public education.

Harish Rao recalled that payments were released promptly during the earlier administration to ensure uninterrupted progress of works. In contrast, he alleged that the present government has withheld payments, leaving contractors who borrowed funds to complete projects trapped in debt burden . He described reports of severe distress among contractors as alarming, noting that prolonged financial strain has had devastating consequences for several families.

The former minister questioned the government’s financial priorities, asking why large suppliers and companies reportedly received substantial payments for items such as painting and furniture while small civil contractors remain unpaid. He further alleged that bills may have been deliberately kept pending and demanded an explanation from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy .

Contractors, he said, sought relief through the Prajavani grievance redressal programme, approached education department officials, and attempted to meet senior leaders, but received no resolution. He expressed concern that requests for appointments with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka went unanswered. He also condemned the filing of cases against contractors who staged a peaceful protest at the Secretariat, describing it as an attempt to suppress legitimate demands.

The issue has drawn attention within the legislature as well, with the Legislative Council leadership reportedly expressing concern over pending dues and the distress faced by small contractors. Delayed payments have also slowed ongoing works, potentially affecting school infrastructure improvements and causing inconvenience to students who were meant to benefit from upgraded facilities.

Education observers note that timely completion and maintenance of school infrastructure play a crucial role in improving attendance, retention, and learning outcomes in government schools. Delays in contractor payments can stall development projects, discourage small firms from participating in public works, and weaken implementation of welfare programmes .

Harish Rao has demanded that the Finance Department immediately release pending funds to small contractors and withdraw cases filed against them. He emphasized that clearing dues is essential not only to prevent further financial hardship but also to preserve the credibility and long-term objectives of the school modernization initiative.

The controversy underscores broader governance challenges in large public infrastructure schemes, including payment transparency, contractor sustainability, and administrative accountability. Ensuring timely financial settlements, observers say, is critical to sustaining development programmes and safeguarding public trust in government initiatives.