Aqzar Raheel
Srinagar, May 11: Contractors associated with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department continued their protest at the Chief Engineer’s Complex in Rajbagh, Srinagar, demanding the immediate release of pending payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Scores of contractors assembled at the complex and voiced strong resentment over what they termed as an inordinate delay in the clearance of dues despite completion of several projects under the centrally sponsored scheme.
The protesting contractors alleged that non-payment of bills for several months has pushed many of them into severe financial distress, making it increasingly difficult to sustain operations, clear bank liabilities and support workers associated with the projects.
“We are unable to pay bank installments and even manage essential household expenses, including our children’s school fees,” said Nazir Ahmad, a representative of the Contractors Coordination Committee.
Ahmad appealed to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to personally intervene and ensure the immediate clearance of pending payments.
The contractors said the delay has not only affected their professional commitments but has also created hardships for labourers and employees dependent on the projects for livelihood.
They warned that if the issue remains unresolved, the protest will continue and the ongoing implementation of works under the Jal Jeevan Mission could be adversely affected.
Urging the administration to take swift and decisive action, the protesters said timely release of funds was essential to maintain the pace of development and ensure smooth execution of the flagship rural water supply programme.
