Contractors lock R&B office in Anantnag, seek clearance of pending bills and policy changes
Anantnag: Contractors from across South Kashmir on Friday staged a strong protest in Anantnag, demanding the immediate release of pending payments, settlement of work-done claims, and redressal of several issues affecting the contractor community.
The protest was organized under the banner of the Contractors Association South Kashmir. Demonstrators locked the main gates of the offices of the Executive Engineer and other Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department offices in Anantnag and raised slogans, pressing the authorities to address their long-pending demands.
The protesting contractors said that the delay in the release of bill deposits and work-done claims has pushed many contractors into severe financial distress. They maintained that the prolonged non-payment of dues has made it increasingly difficult for them to continue developmental works, pay labourers, and meet other financial obligations.
“Our payments have been pending for a long time despite completion of various projects. Contractors are facing immense hardships as they are unable to clear liabilities and sustain their businesses. The government must immediately release the pending dues,” a member of the association said during the protest.
The contractors also demanded the withdrawal of the online collection and accounting system for bid security and tender fees, claiming that the existing mechanism has created additional difficulties for contractors. They further sought the timely availability of construction materials required for the execution of developmental projects across the region.
Association members alleged that contractors throughout South Kashmir are grappling with multiple administrative and financial challenges, which have adversely affected the pace of infrastructure development and the overall functioning of the sector.
“We are not seeking anything beyond our legitimate rights. Timely payments and a contractor-friendly policy framework are essential for ensuring smooth execution of public works. Without addressing these issues, development projects will continue to suffer,” another protester said.
The association appealed to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, the Commissioner Secretary of the Public Works (R&B) Department, and the Chief Engineer R&B South Kashmir to personally intervene and resolve the issues confronting the contractor fraternity.
The protesting contractors urged the government to formulate a comprehensive mechanism for clearing pending liabilities and ensuring uninterrupted availability of raw materials required for construction works.
The association said that if their grievances are ignored, they would be compelled to intensify their protest campaign in the coming days until their demands are addressed.
