PHE Contractors Protest in Srinagar Over Pending JJM Payments | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Contractors associated with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department on Wednesday staged a protest at the Chief Engineer’s Complex in Rajbagh, Srinagar, demanding immediate release of pending payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

Scores of contractors assembled at the complex and raised slogans against the alleged delay in clearance of their dues despite completion of several projects under the centrally sponsored rural water supply scheme.

The protesting contractors said non-payment of bills for the past several months has pushed many of them into financial distress, affecting their ability to continue operations, repay bank loans and support labourers working on the projects.

“We are unable to pay bank installments and even manage essential household expenses, including our children’s school fees,” said Nazir Ahmad, a representative of the Contractors Coordination Committee.

He appealed to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to personally intervene and ensure immediate release of the pending payments.

The contractors said the delay has adversely impacted not only their professional commitments but also the livelihood of workers and employees dependent on the projects.

Warning of intensified agitation, the protesters said that if the issue remains unresolved, the ongoing implementation of works under the Jal Jeevan Mission could be severely affected.

They urged the administration to take swift action for timely release of funds to maintain the pace of development and ensure smooth execution of the flagship rural water supply programme.(KNC)