Bandipora, 30-Mar : Even after the lapse of over 3 years, the bills of contractors who did ‘Yatra Work’ have not been released.In a controversial move R&B division Sumbal has issued new NIT’s under no,160 for this year’s Yatra work despite repeated reminders of last 2019 outstanding bills by Contractors Association Sonawari.“Despite all odds we have been deprived of payments of the said works as our bills are languishing with the government and are pending disposal (payments). We don’t know as to why we are being penalized for no fault of ours as the departments have floated tenders for the works to be executed this year while as we are being deprived of our due payments for a pretty long time and we are facing starvation along with hundreds of labourers associated with us. .”they added.They said that non-payment of pending bills was making it difficult for them to take up new works. Many of the contractors were in dire straits due to the non-payment of bills for the works done by them. The contractors invest money in the works, undertaken by them, by procuring loans on interest.“The then Deputy Commissioner Bandipora back in 2019 had instructed us to make all the arrangements including set-up of bunkers, washrooms, tents etc for Amarnath pilgrims under the supervision of R&B Sumbal. The administration expressed satisfaction over our work, but our bills are still pending,” the contractors told news agency adding.They further added that the irony is that new contracts are being awarded without clearing the previous bills. According to them, the file is still pending in the office of Director Finance for disposal.“The payment for old work done is pending while as the new works are being put in process. We have been running from pillar to post for own payment but nothing is being done on the grounds which clearly defines the level of mess in the department” ‘they alleged.The contractors urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene in getting their payments released as soon as possible.(CNS)
