Contractors demand early clearance of pending payments, cite financial hardships
Say delay in release of deposits affecting livelihood, hampering developmental works
Anantnag: Contractors associated with various government departments in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday appealed to the authorities to expedite the clearance of their long-pending payments, stating that the continued delay has pushed many of them into severe financial distress and is affecting the pace of developmental works in the region.
The contractors said that a substantial amount of their deposits and pending bills has remained unpaid for months despite completion of works and submission of all necessary formalities. They alleged that repeated procedural and technical objections are being cited by departments, resulting in unnecessary delays in the release of funds.
Several contractors expressed concern over the worsening financial situation faced by those dependent on the contracting sector.
“We completed the allotted works well within the stipulated timeframe and fulfilled all departmental requirements, but our payments are still pending. The delay has made it extremely difficult for us to sustain our families and continue further works,” said contractor Abdul Rashid from Anantnag.
Another contractor, Javaid Ahmad, said the non-clearance of payments has badly affected small contractors who entirely depend on timely disbursement of funds for survival.
“Many contractors have taken bank loans and borrowed money from the market to execute projects. Due to non-payment, we are unable to clear liabilities, pay labourers or purchase construction material,” he said.
The contractors said the issue is not limited to one department alone, adding that pending payments across multiple sectors have created widespread uncertainty among contractors.
“We are facing immense mental and financial pressure. Labourers are repeatedly asking for wages while suppliers are demanding payments. If the situation continues, many contractors may be forced to stop developmental works midway,” said another contractor, Manzoor Ahmad.
They further stated that hundreds of families directly and indirectly associated with the contracting sector are suffering due to the delay in release of payments.
The contractors urged the administration and senior officials of the concerned departments to intervene and ensure that all pending payments are cleared at the earliest in the larger public interest.
“Timely release of payments is necessary not only for contractors but also for smooth execution of public development projects. Delays ultimately affect developmental activities on the ground,” the contractors said.
They expressed hope that the authorities would take immediate measures to streamline the payment process and address their grievances without further delay.
