The Jammu & Kashmir Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) has raised concerns over the non-release of pending payments amounting to crores, affecting not only the contractors but also their families and laborers. The payments, stuck in the treasury for several months, have caused significant hardships for those relying on daily wages and material suppliers.
"Our families and laborers 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," stated JKCCC Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza.
The JKCCC has made an earnest appeal to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, and other top officials to address this issue urgently.
In addition to the payment delays, JKCCC highlighted several other grievances:
Non-Renewal of Contractor Cards: Many contractor cards remain unrenewed, pending with the R&B Department. Despite assurances, no action has been taken.
Contractors registered with other departments are participating in R&B projects, while R&B-registered contractors are being unfairly excluded. The JKCCC urges authorities to address this matter promptly.
Due to the lapse in the March 2024 financial year, bills amounting to ₹800 crores remain uncleared. Despite assurances from the government that these payments would be accommodated, a significant portion remains unpaid.
JKCCC appeals to the Financial Commissioner to release the pending payments without further delay.
"The government has previously promised us a one-time relaxation for the renewal of all contractor cards. We urge the concerned authorities to fulfill this promise and clear our long-standing grievances," added Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza.
The JKCCC continues to press for swift action to alleviate the financial stress on its members and ensure fair participation in government projects.