‘IIOJK treasuries face financial crunch, contractors suffer’
Srinagar: The treasuries in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are facing a severe financial crunch, leaving contractors and other stakeholders in distress.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Directorate of Accounts and Treasuries has been grappling with the issue for several weeks, leading to delayed payments for completed projects and causing widespread discontent among contractors.
A Srinagar-based news portal, Kashmir News Service, has received multiple calls from contractors and stakeholders across districts like Bandipora, Kupwara, and Baramulla, highlighting the adverse impact of the ongoing crisis.
A contractor from Bandipora, Abdul Rashid, expressed his concern. He said, “We have completed our projects on time, adhering to all government norms. However, our payments have been pending for months. How are we supposed to sustain our families and pay our workers without being paid?”
Another contractor from Kupwara, Irshad Ahmad, said, “The government encourages us to take up development projects, but when it comes to releasing payments, we are left waiting endlessly. Many of us have taken loans to fund these projects, and now we are burdened with debts.”
The issue has also started affecting labourers and suppliers dependent on contractors for wages and payments. Bilal Ahmad, a supplier from Baramulla, said, “Contractors owe us money for materials supplied months ago, but they can’t pay us because the government hasn’t released their dues. This delay is hurting the entire chain.”
The financial crunch has led to concerns about the completion of ongoing projects in the region.
Contractors fear that without timely payments, projects may face delays, affecting the overall development in the Valley. They urged the authorities to resolve the issue on priority. “We appeal to the Lt Governor and the Finance Department to intervene. If payments are not released soon, many of us will be forced to stop working on government projects,” said Ghulam Nabi, a contractor from Pulwama.
