Chhattisgarh Housing Board Blacklists Placement Agency, Forfeits ₹10 Lakh Security Deposit
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board has taken strict action against Rajnandgaon-based placement agency M/s Topgrade Manpower and Security Services India Private Limited for violating contractual conditions. The board has forfeited the agency’s ₹10 lakh performance security deposit and blacklisted the firm.
The agency had entered into a joint tender agreement on July 1, 2023, with the Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority, Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board, and Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board for the supply of manpower. The agency’s contract with the Housing Board ended in March 2026.
After the contract ended, placement workers posted at the board headquarters complained that the agency had deducted security amounts from their salaries for five months. The agency had assured employees that the deducted amount would be refunded after completion of their tenure, but failed to return the money.
An official inquiry into the agency’s bank records and payment documents confirmed that the deductions were made in installments. The investigation also revealed that the agency had paid lower wages to employees than the total amount released by the board.
The board subsequently issued a notice to the agency, which admitted to making the deductions. It was also found that the agency had refunded part of the deducted amount after the complaint was filed. The inquiry established that the agency had failed to comply with the conditions of the tender agreement.
Under Clause 1.5 of the tender, the board has the authority to forfeit the performance security if the contractor fails to provide satisfactory services. Clause 11 (vii) requires the agency to process salary payments along with statutory EPF and ESIC contributions.
The agreement also required strict compliance with the EPF Act, ESIC Act, LWF Act and Minimum Wages Act.
Based on these violations, the Housing Board forfeited the ₹10 lakh performance security and blacklisted M/s Topgrade Manpower and Security Services India Private Limited, located at New Chandra Colony, Ward No. 18, Hanumantpuram, Rajnandgaon.
Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board Commissioner Awanish Kumar Sharan said that any complaint involving denial of statutory wages or social security benefits to contract workers would invite strict action.
He said the inquiry examined bank accounts and relevant documents before action was taken in accordance with the rules. He added that the board would ensure that all placement workers receive their full salaries, EPF and ESIC benefits, without any unauthorized deductions.
