BBIA expresses concern as PDD blocks Rs 200 crore of SSI units

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: In a meeting, Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) here today discussed Power Development Department (PDD) circular regarding blockage of Rs. 200 crore payment for the supply of materials supplied by SSI units under Saubhagya scheme.
The meeting was chaired by Lalit Mahajan, president BBIA who said that SSI Units supplied materials directly to PDD and also through J&K SICOP.
BBIA president expressed surprise that on one hand PDD is claiming that the target of the scheme has been achieved by March 31 and on the other it is asking concerned Executive Engineers to certify that no material is lying unused.
“It is unjustified on part of PDD for withholding payment of SSI Units who supplied the material in time as per the order and has nothing to do if it is used or not,” he maintained.
Mahajan further said that withholding payments has put SSI unit to financial losses due to accumulated bank interest on money borrowed resulting in serious financial crunch as the unit holders are not in a position to pay wages, power bills, GST payments, bank interest and other dues.
He also said that SSI unit holders fear that their accounts may be converted into NPA by the banks for not repaying borrowed money and this may lead to closure of their units.
Mahajan also said that PDD got 1st prize for achieving 100 per cent household electrification by March 31 only due to timely supply of material by SSI Units by working day and night.
“Now it is unjustified on the part of PDD to withhold the payments of the material supplied though the payment has been already received by the Department from Govt of India,” he maintained and appeal the Governor, Satya Pal Malik and Advisor, K.K Sharma to intervene in this matter.
Suresh Mahajan, Sr Vice President BBIA; Varun Singla, Vice President; Ajay Langer, General Secretary; Vivek Singhal, Secretary and Viraaj Malhotra, Treasurer were also present in the meeting.