| News Details |
| JKCCC seeks urgent Govt Intervention To Resolve Bottlenecks Affecting Project Execution | | Calls For Urgent Measures To Restore Development Momentum |
Srinagar, June 12 (Scoop News)-The Jammu & Kashmir Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza today expressed grave concern over the growing challenges confronting the contractor fraternity across Jammu and Kashmir, stating that many of the apprehensions repeatedly highlighted by the Committee since past few years have now become a harsh ground reality, adversely affecting developmental works and infrastructure projects throughout the Jammu & Kashmir.
In an statement issued to the press, JKCCC Chairman Jeelani Purza said that the continued unavailability of legally accessible construction raw material, mounting payment delays, unresolved payment issues and frequent policy changes have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, forcing contractors to suspend or drastically slow down developmental activities.
He observed that while the Government continues to announce ambitious development projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees, the absence of a clear and lawful mechanism for procuring construction material has made execution of these projects increasingly difficult.
"Development cannot be achieved through announcements alone. Contractors require uninterrupted access to legally sourced raw material, timely release of payments and a conducive administrative framework. Without these fundamental requirements, developmental targets cannot be translated into tangible results on the ground," Purza said.
The JKCCC Chairman noted that for the past several months, the Committee has consistently urged the Government to identify and officially notify authorized sources of construction material in every district so that contractors can procure material legally, obtain royalty receipts and comply with treasury and financial requirements bills.
He pointed out that contractors are now being asked to furnish royalty challans / receipts and other documentation while processing payments, yet no practical mechanism has been put in place to facilitate lawful procurement of raw material.
"We have repeatedly requested the authorities to identify designated material sources and streamline the royalty collection process. Contractors are willing to comply with every legal and financial requirement, but they must first be provided a transparent and workable system," he added.
Purza said that the situation has triggered widespread resentment among contractors across North Kashmir, South Kashmir, Central Kashmir and Jammu region, resulting in protests and demonstrations in several districts. He referred to ongoing agitations in different parts of Kashmir and noted that even Hot Mix Plant Owners Associations have resorted to boycotting tenders due to unresolved issues related to raw material availability, revised rates and pending payments.
The JKCCC Chairman cautioned contractors against procuring material from unauthorized sources, stressing that such material may later create complications during payment verification and audit processes.
Highlighting financial concerns, Purza criticized the frequent issuance of new orders and procedural changes by the Finance Department without adequately addressing the practical challenges being faced by contractors.
He specifically referred to the recent changes concerning Call Deposit Receipts (CDRs), stating that the shift toward mandatory online cash deposits has deprived contractors of banking facilities that were previously available through bank guarantees, fixed deposits and other financial instruments.
"Contractors traditionally relied on banking support mechanisms to participate in tenders and execute projects. The sudden transition to cash-based online deposits has increased financial pressure on contractors, particularly small and medium contractors who form the backbone of the development sector," he said.
Purza also raised serious concern over the prolonged delay in the release of contractors' deposits and security amounts. He said reports suggest that changes are being contemplated regarding treasury heads under which such deposits are maintained, but in the meantime contractors are suffering because their deposits and bills remain blocked.
"If administrative changes are required, they should be completed without delay. Contractors should not be made to suffer indefinitely because of procedural transitions. The present uncertainty is creating serious financial distress throughout the sector," he remarked.
The JKCCC Chairman further stated that developmental works across Jammu and Kashmir are being severely affected because contractors neither have access to adequate raw material nor timely release of legitimate and work done payments. Consequently, the pace of development has slowed considerably despite the availability of numerous sanctioned projects.
Purza urged both the Lieutenant Governor's Administration and the elected Government led by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to work in close coordination and address the concerns of the contractor fraternity in a time-bound manner.
He said that developmental works can only progress when there is clarity in decision-making, timely availability of funds and effective coordination among all stakeholders involved in governance and project implementation.
Referring to delays in the execution and funding of major projects, Purza said that prolonged administrative bottlenecks are impacting critical infrastructure and public welfare initiatives, thereby affecting both contractors and the general public.
The JKCCC Chairman also questioned the necessity of certain newly introduced procedural requirements, including obtaining character verification-related certifications for the renewal of contractor registrations. He said that contractors have been submitting such verifications and related documents from time to time and making them a recurring prerequisite for registration renewal only results in unnecessary delays and wastage of valuable time.
Purza argued that such measures place an additional administrative burden on contractors and divert attention from more pressing developmental priorities. He emphasized that instead of engaging contractors in repetitive procedural formalities, the Government and concerned authorities should focus on facilitating project execution, resolving pending issues and accelerating developmental works. "Every hour spent on avoidable paperwork is time taken away from development on the ground," he said, adding that a development-oriented and time-bound approach is essential to ensure that projects are completed well before their stipulated deadlines and that public infrastructure works progress without unnecessary hindrances.
He said that JKCCC has brought these issues repeatedly to the notice of concerned ministers, administrative secretaries, district authorities and other senior officials, but tangible relief is yet to be seen on the ground.
"We appreciate assurances given by the authorities, but what the contractor fraternity needs now is concrete action. Development cannot wait indefinitely and neither can thousands of contractors, workers, technical and no-technical person, transporters and families whose livelihoods depend on this sector," Purza stated.
Calling for immediate intervention, the JKCCC Chairman urged the Government to: Identify and notify authorized sources of construction material across all districts; Establish a transparent and legally compliant royalty collection mechanism; Ensure timely release of contractors' pending bills and deposits; Review recent financial and treasury-related procedural changes affecting contractors; Resolve issues related to CDRs, bank guarantees and other financial instruments; Address concerns raised by Hot Mix Plant Owners and other stakeholders connected with infrastructure development; Simplify administrative procedures that hinder project execution.
Purza reiterated that the contractor fraternity remains fully committed to supporting infrastructure development and public welfare initiatives throughout Jammu and Kashmir. However, he emphasized that contractors must be facilitated rather than burdened if the Government genuinely intends to accelerate developmental works.
"Contractors are partners in development. If our genuine concerns are addressed in a timely manner, developmental activities can regain momentum and public projects can be completed efficiently for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
The JKCCC Chairman expressed hope that the Government would take immediate cognizance of the issues raised by the Committee and initiate concrete measures to restore confidence among contractors and revive the pace of development across the Jammu & Kashmir.
... |
| |
|
|
Share this Story |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|