CM Has Unpaid Bills From An Over Rs.4 Crore Trip To Switzerland

NEW DELHI – The Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government has received a notice from a Switzerland-based company regarding an unpaid bill of Rs 1.58 crore for the Chief Minister and his team’s stay during the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, according to an Indian Express report on October 8.

The notice, dated August 28, was sent by SKAAH GmbH, a contractor that says the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation has yet to pay the outstanding amount. While MIDC has paid Rs 3.75 crore towards the total bill, Rs 1.58 crore remains unpaid. The summit took place from January 15 to 19.

SKAAH GmbH also mentioned that it provided services to more individuals than initially agreed upon and met all their demands. The company added that the ongoing issue is straining international relations between India and Switzerland.

Opposition MLAs, including Aaditya Thackeray, have criticized the government for overspending on the trip, arguing that it damages Maharashtra’s reputation and sends the wrong message to potential investors.

The notice warns that if the dues are not settled, the company may file a lawsuit, demanding payment of the full outstanding amount with 18% annual interest, the Indian Express reported.