Karnah, Aug 19 (JKNS): Contractors engaged in the execution of works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) staged a peaceful protest at the Mini Secretariat Karnah, raising strong concern over the prolonged pendency of their bills and demanding immediate clearance and release of their outstanding payments.
The protesting contractors said that a substantial amount of their payments has remained pending with the concerned departments for a considerable period. They stated that the continued delay in the settlement of bills has placed them under severe financial pressure and has created difficulties in managing day-to-day expenses, labour payments, material costs and other liabilities associated with the execution of government works.
During the protest, the contractors said that they had executed the assigned works under the Jal Jeevan Mission as per the directions and requirements of the concerned authorities. However, despite completing various works and submitting the necessary bills and documents, they alleged that their payments have not been released within the expected timeframe.
The contractors expressed concern that prolonged delays in payment are adversely affecting their financial stability and their capacity to continue ongoing projects smoothly. They said that contractors have to arrange funds from their own resources to purchase construction material, pay labourers, transport equipment and meet other expenses, while the non-release of bills has made it increasingly difficult for them to sustain these operations.
They appealed to the concerned authorities to look into the matter on a priority basis and initiate the necessary verification and procedural formalities for the early release of their pending bills.
The protesting contractors maintained that their demand is limited to the clearance of legitimate dues against works already executed. They urged the administration and concerned Jal Shakti/JJM authorities to take a sympathetic and practical view of their situation and ensure that the pending payments are processed without further delay.
They further said that contractors associated with public works often have to make substantial financial commitments before receiving payments from the government. According to them, when bills remain pending for long periods, the financial burden ultimately falls on the contractors, workers and suppliers associated with the projects.
The contractors also expressed apprehension that if the issue continues to remain unresolved, it could affect the pace of ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission works in the area. They said that timely payment is essential not only for the financial sustainability of contractors but also for ensuring uninterrupted implementation of water supply projects meant for the people of Karnah.
The protesters called upon the concerned authorities to communicate clearly about the status of their pending bills and provide a definite mechanism for their timely clearance. They also sought intervention from the higher authorities so that the issue could be resolved at the earliest.
The contractors warned that if their outstanding bills are not cleared within a reasonable timeframe, they may be compelled to intensify their protest and launch further agitation against the continued delay.
They, however, emphasized that they hope the administration will address their grievances through dialogue and take immediate steps to resolve the issue without forcing them to adopt a more stringent course of action.
The protest concluded with the contractors reiterating their demand for the early verification, processing and release of all pending JJM bills, stating that timely payment would provide much-needed relief and help ensure the smooth continuation of Jal Jeevan Mission works across Karnah. (JKNS)
