Kathmandu, January 16:

The Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) has urged the government to withdraw its decision to grant consumer committees development projects worth Rs 60 lakh.

During the eighth annual general meeting (AGM) of the Banke chapter of FCAN, its president Bindubhusan Basnet urged the government to withdraw the decision as soon as possible as it would result in 11,000 professional contractors jobless.

According to FCAN, providing Rs 60 lakh to the consumer committee has a number of drawbacks. It can create financial disorder, lack of quality in development works, irresponsibility in the project and minimised revenue collection at the government level.

“The government has taken the decision in a hurry and such hasty decisions generally have a negative impact,” added Basnet.

“There should be open competition,” said Banke FCAN deputy general secretary Ram Saran Mahat. He said that this decision of the government would leave many workers jobless and that it was time to rise up and fight against the arbitrary decision.

Speaking on the occasion, Banke chief district office Chandra Prasad Timalsina said, “There should be quality construction work for the development of a new Nepal. Political interference in this sector should be prevented.”

FCAN warned that if the government does not withdraw its decision to grant consumer committees construction projects worth Rs 60 lakh, it would be compelled to initiate protest programmes.

The AGM of Banke FCAN will be electing its new representatives on Saturday, according to an FCAN statement issued here today.