Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 12: The J&K Central Contractors Coordination Committee today alleged that the growing trend of awarding Government works through below-percentage tenders was compromising the quality and timely execution of developmental projects across J&K.
Addressing a press conference here, president of the contractors’ body, Farooq Ahmad Dar, expressed serious concern over repeated allegations of substandard works being executed by contractors in the Union Territory.
He said the prevailing tendering system was creating major challenges for both contractors and Government projects. Dar said the practice of awarding contracts at “unrealistic” rates was placing immense financial pressure on executing agencies, ultimately affecting the quality of work on the ground. Click here to watch video
“The increasing trend of below-percentage tenders adversely affects the quality and timely completion of developmental projects,” he said.
He noted that the contractors were often forced to work under difficult financial conditions after projects were allotted at excessively low rates.
A below-percentage tender refers to a bid submitted by a contractor at a rate lower than the estimated project cost fixed by a Government department.
Dar said such tendering practices not only hamper project execution but also create operational and financial difficulties for contractors, making it difficult to maintain the desired quality standards in public infrastructure works.
The committee maintained that contractors in J&K remain committed to delivering quality infrastructure and executing projects efficiently, but stressed that practical and fair policies were necessary to sustain standards and accountability.
Urging the authorities to adopt a “balanced and transparent” tendering mechanism, Dar said the Government must frame policies that protect both accountability and the long-term sustainability of public projects.
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