Contractors say prolonged delays in payments have pushed them into severe financial distress, urge immediate government intervention

Aqzar Raheel 

Srinagar, May 5 (KNZ): Contractors engaged under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest in Srinagar, urging the government to expedite the release of long-pending payments for works executed under the scheme.

The protest was held at the Chief Office of the Jal Shakti Department under the banner of the Contractors Coordination Committee. A large number of contractors participated, highlighting the financial hardships caused by delays in the disbursement of funds.

The protesting contractors said that despite completing their assigned projects under JJM, payments have not been released for a considerable period, pushing many into severe financial distress. They noted that the situation has affected not only their professional commitments but also their personal lives.

Addressing the media,Nazir Ahmad, a representative of the Contractors Coordination Committee, appealed to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene and ensure the immediate clearance of dues.

“Contractors, especially those associated with JJM works, are facing immense hardship due to non-payment. We are unable to pay bank installments and even meet essential expenses such as our children’s school fees. The situation has become extremely difficult,” he said.

The committee urged the administration to take swift and decisive action to resolve the issue, warning that continued delays could hamper the smooth execution of ongoing works and adversely impact future projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

The protesters reiterated that timely release of funds is crucial for sustaining the pace of development under the flagship scheme and preventing further distress among contractors.(KNZ)