Contractors protest delay in dues payment at Dharamsala

The contractors handling the works of the Jal Shakti and Public Works departments in Kangra district staged a protest in Dharamsala on Wednesday against the Congress government over the non-payment of their pending dues.

They warned that if their payments were not released within next 15 days, they would intensify their agitation. The contractors from across the district assembled at the Circuit House here and later marched to the office of the District Magistrate. They submitted memorandums to the District Magistrate and the Chief Engineers of the Jal Shakti and the Public Works departments to press for the release of their pending payments.

The contractors alleged that they had not been paid for the past two years due to the delay in administrative approvals and loan disbursement. The prolonged non-payment, they said, had caused severe financial distress to their families.

Contractor Goldy Chaudhary said that payments were not released even during Dhanteras and Diwali festivals. “Non-payment of dues during the festive season has left us dejected,” he added.

The contractors urged the government to ensure all pending bills were cleared and transparency was introduced to the existing payment system, which was complex and inefficient. They urged the state government to simplify and streamline the payment process to prevent future delays.

At the same time, the contractors warned the government that if their demands were not met, they would launch a statewide protest.