Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 4: The J&K PHE Contractors Coordination Committee (CCC) today held a detailed meeting with Jal Shakti Minister, Javed Rana to deliberate upon a host of pressing issues being faced by contractors across the Union Territory over the past 18 months.
The delegation, strongly highlighted the inordinate delay in the release of payments for work already executed under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). They described the situation as alarming, stating that prolonged non-payment has severely impacted the financial stability of contractors, many of whom are struggling to sustain ongoing projects due to liquidity constraints. The members pointed out that despite repeated representations, official communications, and follow-ups with concerned authorities, there has been no progress in clearing the pending dues.
Contractors also apprised the Minister of the ground-level difficulties arising from delayed payments, including disruption in project execution, inability to pay labourers and suppliers on time, and slowing down of vital water supply works. They emphasized that such delays not only affect contractors but also hinder the timely completion of projects aimed at providing potable drinking water to rural households under the flagship scheme.
They pointed out that Central Government is considering an extension of the JJM up to March 2027, along with fresh financial allocations. However, for the continuation of funding and clearance of pending liabilities, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre and the Union Territory is a mandatory prerequisite. The delegation stressed the urgency of completing this formal process to unlock the pending payments.
The delegation was led by Coordinator of the J&K PHE Coordination Committee, Nazir Ahmed Mir, and witnessed participation from contractors from Doda, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Jammu, Bijbehara, Budgam, Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara and Pulwama.
The representatives urged the government to establish a streamlined mechanism for timely disbursement of funds to avoid recurrence of such issues in future.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
