Officials say event arrangements were executed through pre-contracted agency at approved rates with due administrative approval
TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 9,2026: The Chhattisgarh Labour Department has rejected allegations of financial irregularities in the expenditure incurred during the Workers’ Grand Conference held in the state, asserting that all arrangements were made strictly in accordance with approved tender specifications and contracted rates.
According to Girish Ramteke, Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the accusations of arbitrary spending on seating arrangements and refreshments without following due process are “completely baseless and misleading.”
Providing details, Ramteke said the large-scale Workers’ Grand Conference was organised at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in Raipur on September 17, 2024, marking Vishwakarma Jayanti and Chhattisgarh Labour Day. The event witnessed the participation of nearly 8,000 people.
The Labour Department clarified that essential arrangements for the programme—including stage setup, seating, meals, drinking water and a health camp—were carried out through a pre-contracted agency operating under the aegis of Raipur Smart City Limited at approved rates.
Officials stated that due to a last-minute change in the venue and severe time constraints, completing the standard tender process was not feasible. In such circumstances, engaging an already contracted agency was considered an administratively appropriate decision to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.
The department further said that after the event concluded, all expenditure related to the conference was thoroughly scrutinised and verified before payments were released to the agency, strictly in accordance with established rules and procedures.
