Amid threat, Karnataka govt releases contractors’ Rs 2,400 crore dues. Karnataka's government has released Rs 2,400 crore to the irrigation department over the past few days. This release addresses a small fraction of the pending Rs 38,000 crore in bills owed to contractors. The contractors' association claims that the government's efforts are insufficient and have minimal impact on accruing loans. A senior government official mentioned plans to clear dues of Public Works Department contractors soon.