Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 1: Contractors that were hired by the Urban Local Bodies in Ganderbal to build the road network in this Central Kashmir district under the UIDSSMT Scheme for the previous year claimed that the department has withheld their bills for unknown reasons.
The contractors said that despite the availability of funds, bills totalling around Rs 1.25 crores for all work done were submitted to the department last year but were yet to be released.
The contractors cited delays in the issuance of bills as a major concern for them as they are struggling to run their families. “We have taken loans from the banks and are unable to repay them. This has hit our credibility as suppliers are turning their backs. Moreover, we are unable to run our families, “a contractor said.
He continued that it appears that the government is punishing them for performing their jobs honestly, saying, “we got the contracts after going through the tendering process, and our work passed all the quality inspections. However, despite following all procedures, the department is taking us for a ride, “another contactor claimed, suspecting that the department is withholding payment since the bride has not been paid.
Official apathy, according to a source familiar with the situation, is to blame for the payment delay. Few months ago, he said, the administration asked the department to hand over the idle money that was lying with the department, but it also gave over the money it owed to the contractors together with the idle funds.
“The contractors are suffering as a result of the officials’ indifference,” another contractor said, adding that the funds exist in the department, but they must obtain approval from the Finance department, which is taking time.
He continued that this raises serious doubts over the department’s ability because identical bills for similar services have been cleared without issue in the Jammu division. “Why are they making the contactors suffer unnecessarily when their competitors are releasing bills on time?” he inquired.
Contractors said they were compelled to run from pillar to post when they expected a rapid redressal of their grievances under the current administration. “We have enormous expectations from the current administration, but nothing has transpired so far,” a contractor said.
The contractors pleaded with Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha to help them with the issue and end their suffering.
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