Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 29: The contractors who have completed many projects under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Scheme in the region have demanded release of their payments worth crores from the concerned PHE/ Jal Shakti Department.
Addressing a press conference here the aggrieved contractors alleged that the concerned officers have failed to clear their bills worth crores for the last more than one year. Despite completion of many Water Supply Schemes in several Sub Divisions and Districts, the concerned Executive Engineers failed to clear the liability. They even met the Chief Engineer several times but mere false assurances are given to them. Not only Civil, the bills of many mechanical works also remained un-cleared, they alleged.
They further said that the JJM, which plays a vital role in ensuring access to potable water in rural areas, has encountered significant execution delays due to non-release of payments for the past one year. Contractors have already made substantial investments in these projects, and the continued withholding of payments has made it impossible to pay workers, many of whom are now threatening to go on strike.
They pointed out that many completed WWSs are successfully supplying potable water to the beneficiaries. Despite this, contractors have not been paid for over last one year, resulting in severe financial stress. They requested to immediately release their pending payments to prevent further disruptions and to ensure the timely completion of the remaining works.
They claimed that the labourers and material suppliers-who have not received their dues are now threatening to halt work and take legal action, which could bring ongoing public utility projects to a complete standstill. The situation is critical and demands urgent intervention to prevent irreversible damage to both the livelihood of hundreds of workers and the progress of essential public infrastructure projects, they added.
They sought urgent intervention of Lt Governor and Chief Minister into the Matter.
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