SRINAGAR: Sajad Lone on Wednesday raised concern over an ongoing protest by contractors of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department in Handwara, who say their payments for government works have remained unpaid since 2019.
The Handwara MLA and president of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference said contractors have been demonstrating for two consecutive days demanding the release of long-pending dues, which they claim have pushed many into severe financial distress.
Describing the issue as a sign of deeper administrative shortcomings, Lone said contractors have been waiting for more than five years for payments despite repeated assurances from officials. “These contractors have been suffering for years. Every new Executive Engineer arrives with a new narrative, but the reality on the ground remains unchanged,” he said.
Lone said he had earlier proposed a mechanism to settle the outstanding liabilities during a departmental review meeting, which was initially accepted by officers but later reversed. He also stated that he had raised the matter in the Assembly to highlight its urgency and seek justice for contractors who had executed government works.
Calling for immediate intervention, Lone urged Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana to examine the issue and, if necessary, convene a meeting between officials and the protesting contractors to facilitate a swift resolution.
