SRINAGAR: A severe cash crunch in Jammu and Kashmir’s government treasuries has triggered widespread discontent among contractors, government employees, and pensioners, with delayed payments causing significant hardships. Concerns over the situation were raised by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar, who called for urgent intervention to address the financial crisis.
Akhtar described the situation as “frightening,” highlighting that pensioners’ files for retirement benefits, including gratuity, leave salary, and pensions, are languishing in administrative offices without action. He also noted that General Provident Fund (GPF) cases of government employees have been pending for months. Contractors working with key departments such as Roads and Buildings and Jal Shakti are similarly affected, with payments for completed projects delayed for months.
“The administration is turning a blind eye to this crisis while engaging in ribbon-cutting ceremonies,” Akhtar said. “This pervasive cash crunch signals a looming economic breakdown in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving the common man to suffer.” He urged the government to release the 3 per cent Dearness Allowance (DA) that has been withheld from employees since July, pointing out that central government employees received it six months ago.
Contractors and employees have echoed these concerns, with many sharing accounts of months-long delays in receiving payments. Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Contractors Association, Ghulam Jeelani Purza, criticised the government for failing to clear bills within the stipulated 24-hour window, noting that contractors face mounting financial and legal challenges as a result.
“Post-dated cheques issued by contractors are now bouncing due to the delay in payments, putting them at risk of legal action. Many have already left this profession due to the recurring payment delays over the last two years, which have severely impacted their families,” Purza said. He called on the government to urgently address the issue, particularly given contractors’ contributions during past crises. Government employees awaiting GPF payments expressed similar frustrations.
