Karnah, August 31 (JKNS): Contractors engaged in developmental and construction works under various government departments in Karnah Sub-Division have been facing severe financial difficulties as their bills have remained pending for a prolonged period.
The contractors state that they have completed works under several government schemes, particularly the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and other departments, but despite completing the assigned works, their payments have not yet been released.
According to the contractors, the prolonged delay in payments has made it increasingly difficult for them to clear dues owed to labourers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Many contractors reportedly invested their own savings or borrowed money to execute government works, expecting timely reimbursement. However, the continued pendency of their bills has placed them under considerable financial pressure.
Expressing concern over the issue, former MLA Karnah and Apni Party District President Kupwara, Raja Manzoor Khan, has urged the UT Government to take immediate steps for the release of all pending and legitimate bills of contractors working in Karnah.
Raja Manzoor Khan said that a large number of contractors who have undertaken works under the Jal Jeevan Mission and various other government departments are still awaiting their payments. He said contractors have played an important role in implementing government development projects on the ground, particularly in a remote and border area like Karnah.
He emphasized that prolonged delays in clearing contractors’ bills are not only affecting the contractors themselves but are also impacting labourers, material suppliers and other local stakeholders who depend on these payments for their livelihood and business activities.
Raja Manzoor Khan appealed to the UT Government, concerned departments and the administration to review the status of all pending bills and ensure that payments for completed and duly verified works are released without further delay.
He said that contractors in Karnah already face several challenges due to the area’s difficult geographical conditions and limited business opportunities. In such circumstances, keeping their legitimate payments pending for months has further aggravated their financial difficulties.
He stressed that timely payment of contractors is essential for maintaining the pace of development and ensuring that ongoing and future projects are executed smoothly. He also urged the concerned authorities to establish an effective mechanism to clear pending liabilities and prevent unnecessary delays in future.
The contractors have also appealed to the government and concerned departments to address the matter on priority and release their outstanding dues so that they can clear payments to workers and suppliers and continue participating in developmental works across Karnah.
Raja Manzoor Khan expressed hope that the UT Government will take the issue seriously and ensure the early release of all genuine and pending bills of Karnah contractors. (JKNS)