QAZIGUND, Jun 9: The Contractors Association on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest outside the R&B Division office in Qazigund, demanding the immediate release of pending payments for completed works and the clearance of the 10 percent security deposit withheld by the department.
Holding placards and raising slogans, the protesting contractors said delayed payments were causing severe financial strain and affecting their ability to execute ongoing and future development works.
Speaking on the occasion, representatives of the association urged the authorities to address their long-pending grievances without further delay. They said contractors had completed various projects in different areas but were still awaiting payment for the work executed.
“We have carried out development works as per departmental requirements, but our payments remain pending. The delay is creating immense hardship for contractors and labourers dependent on these projects,” a contractor said.
The association also sought the release of the 10 percent bill deposit, stating that the amount had been withheld for a considerable period despite the completion of works and fulfilment of required formalities.
The protesters appealed to the government and concerned authorities to intervene and ensure the early clearance of all pending dues. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would be compelled to intensify their agitation in the coming days.