Mangalore: Health Minister U.T. Khader warned Bangalore-based construction firm, Sri Krishna Shelters Power Ltd,  of blacklisting the company, for slowing down the construction work of  the new block of the Government Lady Goschen Hospital during the review meeting of the progress work on Thursday.

The company  informed the minister that ONGC-MRPL, which had come forward to construct the new block a tan estimated cost of Rs 21.5 crore, was not clearing their pending bill.

In the meanwhile, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai took the contractor to task for citing bill clearance as an excuse. “It’s the government’s work. Every contractor gets his money, without any dues. The government will not run away without paying the money”.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), which is funding the project as part of its corporate social responsibility, paid Rs. 6.5 crore.

MRPL general manager Sushilchandra said we are committed to the cause. Due to the changes in norms of CSR, there was a procedural delay. We will pay 80% of the amount after the bill is raised”, he promised the contractors.

Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim said that only half the work has been completed, a representative of the construction firm said that it was difficult for them to continue work, if bills are kept pending.

To this, Khader said the firm should have the capacity to carry out work of atleast Rs. 3 crore. When the contractor’s representative stuck to his stand, Mr. Khader said, “We will be forced to blacklist you. It is we who are facing the wrath of the people for the slowdown in your work,” he said.