Aqzar Raheel 

Srinagar, May 13(KNZ): Contractors associated with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department on Wednesday continued their protest for the fourth consecutive day, demanding release of pending payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

Scores of contractors gathered at the Chief Engineer’s Complex in Rajbagh here, alleging that payments worth several crores have remained unpaid for months despite completion of substantial work under the Centre-sponsored rural water supply scheme.

Carrying placards and raising slogans, the protesters said the delay in clearance of dues has pushed many contractors into financial distress and affected labourers and workers associated with the projects across Jammu and Kashmir.

“We are unable to repay bank loans, clear liabilities and even manage essential household expenses, including our children’s school fees,” a protesting contractor said.

The contractors alleged that several executing agencies are struggling to continue work amid mounting pressure from banks, suppliers and labourers awaiting wages.

They appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior officials to intervene and ensure immediate clearance of pending bills.

The protesters warned that continued delay in release of funds could affect the pace of ongoing projects aimed at providing tap water connectivity to rural households and discourage contractors from participating in future government works.

They said the protest would continue until their demands are addressed.(Knz)