J&K Contractors Coordination Committee urges immediate release of ₹1000 Cr JJM Payments ahead of Eid-ul-Adha

SRINAGAR: Hundreds of members from the Jammu and Kashmir Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) staged a peaceful protest at the Engineering Complex, Rajbagh Srinagar, against the non-release of pending payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). The protest was led by JKCCC Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza, who urged the government to release over ₹1000 crore of pending dues before Eid-ul-Adha.

Addressing the gathering, JKCCC Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza said “Our contractors have tirelessly implemented the Jal Jeevan Mission across Jammu & Kashmir, installing pipelines, constructing pump sheds and ensuring water reaches every household. Yet, their rightful payments have been withheld since September 2024. This payment is not just about contractors; it's about laborers, suppliers, mechanics, transporters and every family whose livelihood depends on this sector. If these payments are not released before Eid, we will be left with no option but to halt all ongoing JJM works across the Valley.”

Purza also emphasized that during the Governor-led administration, payments were made on time, but under the current elected government, funds have been unjustly delayed — causing serious financial strain on the contractor community.

Bandipora Contractors Association President, Naseer Mir, said “The government has pushed the contractor fraternity to the edge. Payments worth crores are pending for genuine work done. Contractors have mortgaged properties, taken loans and now face humiliation due to non-clearance of dues. We demand immediate financial justice.”

Kupwara Contractors Association President, Hilal Farooq said “It's heartbreaking that ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, when families should be preparing to celebrate, our contractors are on roads, protesting for money they’ve rightfully earned. This delay is not just financial negligence — it's moral injustice. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) will not function if our demands are ignored.”

Leaders from other districts, including Mohammad Younis Bhat (Budgam) and Nazir Ahmad (Charar-e-Sharif), were also present and extended their full support to the protest and JKCCC's unified decision. They warned that if the government continues to ignore their pleas, all works under Jal Jeevan Mission and PHE schemes will be forcibly suspended after Eid.

The JKCCC has appealed to the J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jal Sakti Minister Javaid Rana, Other Cabinet Ministers and the Chief Secretary to take urgent and personal cognizance of the issue and ensure swift disbursal of payments to avoid further disruption of essential public works in Jammu and Kashmir.