Srinagar, Feb 15, KNT: The Central Contractors Coordination Committee (CCCC) will launch a contact campaign across North and South Kashmir from February 17, demanding the release of ₹850 crore in pending dues and an exemption for tenders up to ₹10 lakh from the e-tendering process.
Jammu and Kashmir Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) General Secretary Farooq Dar stated that contractors have remained unpaid for over a decade, pushing them into financial distress. Many had carried out restoration and repair work on government infrastructure, including offices, roads, schools, hospitals, and bridges, particularly after the 2014 floods. However, mounting debt and unpaid dues have left them struggling, with material suppliers also pressuring them for payments.
Dar recalled that former Financial Commissioner Arun Mehta had directed officials two years ago to clear outstanding payments from annual savings, but the directive failed to yield results. He lamented that despite the new government being in office for three months, no action has been taken, further disheartening the contractors.
To push for a resolution, the CCCC will engage in a region-wide contact campaign, pressing for the immediate release of ₹785 crore and strategizing further action. The committee also plans to reach out to political parties, including the ruling party and the Lieutenant Governor, to advocate for the long-overdue payments.
Additionally, Dar urged the Chief Minister to reconsider the e-tendering policy, reminding him that contractors had previously highlighted technical challenges with the system. He reiterated the demand to exempt tenders up to ₹10 lakh from e-tendering.
