Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 10: The J&K Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) today expressed concern over delays in the release of pending payments, stressing that the situation was affecting development works across the Union Territory.
In a statement issued here, JKCCC chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza said that despite the financial year nearing its end, funds for the final quarter have not been released, leaving contractors facing financial stress after completing various development projects.
He said a large amount of payments remains pending in different departments, including Roads and Buildings (R&B), Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with liabilities alone estimated at around Rs 1,500 crore.
“The financial year is about to end in March, but the last quarter funds have still not been released. Contractors across Jammu and Kashmir are under severe pressure as their dues have been pending for a long time,” Purza said.
He also raised concerns over recent orders issued by the Finance Department and the Geology and Mining Department, stating that these directives are creating hurdles in clearing contractors’ bills at treasuries.
According to Purza, treasuries are returning bills with queries related to mining royalty for construction material, which he said is normally the responsibility of miners, crusher owners, suppliers and transporters rather than contractors who purchase material from the market.
“These orders are creating unnecessary complications and delaying payments. If bills are not cleared in time, funds may lapse and development works will suffer,” he said.
Purza urged the Government, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, to intervene and ensure the release of pending payments.
He also called for the identification and legalisation of proper sources of construction material in every district to facilitate smooth execution of development works and improve revenue collection from the mining sector.
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