Kupwara, Jan 6 (JKNS): DDC card holders of the northern town of Karnah on Tuesday staged a protest demanding the inclusion of their cards in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) tender process.
The protesting contractors alleged discrimination, stating that while similar provisions are being implemented in other districts of Jammu and Kashmir, contractors in Karnah are being denied the same facility.
The protesters said that in several districts of the Union Territory, contractors registered under District Development Councils (DDCs) are officially allowed to execute development works up to a specified financial limit. However, despite fulfilling all eligibility criteria, DDC card holders in Karnah are not being permitted to participate in CDF tenders.
Raising slogans and holding placards, the contractors questioned the authorities over what they termed as “step-motherly treatment” towards Karnah. They argued that denying them participation in the CDF tendering process is not only unjust but also hampers local development.
“The same rules are applicable across Jammu and Kashmir. If DDC-registered contractors are allowed to work in other districts, why are we being excluded in Karnah?” a protesting contractor said. “This discrimination is depriving local contractors of employment opportunities and delaying developmental works.”
The DDC card holders further stated that allowing local contractors to execute CDF works would ensure faster implementation, better monitoring, and greater transparency, as local contractors are more familiar with the area and its requirements.
They appealed to the district administration and concerned authorities to immediately address the issue and grant equal rights to DDC card holders in Karnah. The protesters warned that if their demands are not met, they would be forced to intensify their agitation in the coming days.
The protest concluded peacefully, with the contractors expressing hope that the administration would take cognizance of their genuine demands in the interest of development and employment in the region. (JKNS)
