Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, has directed government departments and implementing agencies to ensure that physical construction work begins within the timeline specified in the tender or work order, and no later than 30 days where no shorter period has been prescribed.
The directive was issued through a circular dated August 29, 2026, after the government observed that some projects remained stalled even after tenders had been finalised and work orders issued because officials were waiting for ceremonial events such as Bhoomi Puja, foundation-stone laying or inaugurations.
The circular states that waiting for such ceremonies cannot be treated as a valid reason for delaying the physical commencement of a project.
Key Directions
- Construction must begin within the period specified in the tender, contract or work order.
- Where no specific shorter timeline is prescribed, physical work must start within 30 days of the work order.
- Departments should ensure, as far as possible, that land, technical and administrative clearances, drawings, funds and other prerequisites are ready before issuing work orders.
- Officials have been directed to ensure contractors take the necessary steps to commence work on time.
- If a Bhoomi Puja, foundation-stone ceremony or inauguration is required under protocol, it should be conducted within the 30-day period.
- If the ceremony cannot be organised within that period, physical construction must begin first, with the ceremony held later at an appropriate stage.
- A project cannot be kept pending solely because a ceremonial event has not yet been scheduled.
Officials Made Responsible for Compliance
The Chief Secretary has directed Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries to circulate the instructions to boards, corporations, local bodies and other agencies under their respective departments.
District Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers have also been tasked with ensuring compliance.
The circular states that lapses or violations will invite disciplinary action against the tender-inviting authority.
Focus on Avoiding Project Delays
The government said delays after the award of contracts can lead to increased project costs, contractual complications, extensions of completion timelines and administrative or legal issues.
The latest directive therefore seeks to ensure that government construction projects move from the tender and work-order stage to actual physical execution without waiting for ceremonial functions.
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