Kerala extends accreditation of public works agencies again
Kerala extends accreditation of public works agencies until a new order, with retrospective effect.
The Kerala government has once again extended the accreditation period for agencies empanelled to execute public works in the state. A Finance department order issued on September 2, 2026, states that the accreditation of existing agencies will remain valid up to the date of issuance of a new government order on accreditation, with retrospective effect.
This is the second extension since the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) assumed power. The earlier extension, granted until July 31, 2026, had drawn attention because the list included the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS).
While in opposition, senior Congress leaders—including current Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal—had accused the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of favouring ULCCS in contract awards.
The LDF government had in September 2022 extended the term of 46 agencies, including ULCCS, up to May 31, 2026, subject to a performance review for further renewal. After that term lapsed, the Finance department under the new UDF government issued an order on June 27, 2026, extending the period to July 31, 2026, with retrospective effect.
The latest order removes a fixed deadline, linking validity to the issuance of a fresh accreditation order.