Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - Assurance given on MoU signing to facilitate release of pending JJM dues
JAMMU: The J&K PHE Contractors Coordination Committee (CCC) today held a detailed and significant meeting with Jal Shakti Minister Javeed Rana to deliberate upon a host of pressing issues and challenges being faced by contractors across the Union Territory over the past 18 months.
The delegation, while putting forth its concerns, strongly highlighted the inordinate delay in the release of payments for work already executed under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). They described the situation as alarming, stating that prolonged non-payment has severely impacted the financial stability of contractors, many of whom are struggling to sustain ongoing projects due to liquidity constraints. The members pointed out that despite repeated representations, official communications, and follow-ups with concerned authorities, there has been little to no progress in clearing the pending dues.
Contractors also apprised the Minister of the ground-level difficulties arising from delayed payments, including disruption in project execution, inability to pay labourers and suppliers on time, and slowing down of vital water supply works. They emphasized that such delays not only affect contractors but also hinder the timely completion of projects aimed at providing potable drinking water to rural households under the flagship scheme.
During the discussion, it was informed that the Central Government is considering an extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission up to March 2028, along with fresh financial allocations. However, for the continuation of funding and clearance of pending liabilities, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre and the Union Territory is a mandatory prerequisite. The delegation stressed the urgency of completing this formal process to unlock the pending payments.
Taking note of the concerns, the Minister assured the delegation that the matter is being taken up on priority and that the MoU is expected to be signed within a week. He reiterated the government’s commitment towards resolving the issue and ensuring that genuine claims of contractors are settled at the earliest. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by contractors in implementing vital public welfare schemes like JJM.
The delegation was led by Coordinator of the J&K PHE Coordination Committee, Nazir Ahmed Mir, and witnessed participation from contractors representing a wide cross-section of districts including Doda, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Jammu, Bijbehara, Budgam, Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Pulwama. The representatives collectively urged the government to establish a streamlined mechanism for timely disbursement of funds to avoid recurrence of such issues in the future.The meeting concluded on a constructive and positive note, with both sides expressing optimism that the pending issues will soon be resolved, thereby ensuring the smooth and timely implementation of drinking water projects across Jammu & Kashmir.
