SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) has raised serious concerns over the non-release of pending payments, which have accumulated to staggering amounts, impacting not just the contractors but also their families and labourers. Payments worth Rs 800 crore, stuck in the treasury for several months, have led to significant hardships, particularly for those relying on daily wages and material suppliers.
“Our families and labourers are suffering due to the lack of wages. We have taken loans from various banks to sustain our operations, but the continued delay in releasing payments has pushed us into financial distress,” JKCCC Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza said in a statement.
The JKCCC has made a fervent appeal to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, and other top officials to address this issue as a matter of urgency.
In addition to the delayed payments, the JKCCC has highlighted several other pressing grievances:
Numerous contractor cards, they said remain unrenewed and are pending with the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department. Despite repeated assurances, no action has been taken, leaving contractors in limbo.
The JKCCC said the contractors registered with other departments are participating in R&B projects, while those registered directly with R&B are being unfairly excluded. The JKCCC has urged the authorities to rectify this matter and ensure equal opportunity for all.
The delay in clearing the Rs 800 crore worth of bills stems from a lapse in the March 2024 financial year. Despite government assurances that these payments would be accommodated, a significant portion remains unsettled, further compounding the financial woes of contractors.
The JKCCC is also urging the Financial Commissioner to release the pending payments without further delay, as many contractors have been pushed to the brink due to this long-standing issue.
“The government has previously promised us a one-time relaxation for the renewal of all contractor cards. We urge the concerned authorities to fulfil this promise and clear our long-standing grievances,” added Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza.
