SHILLONG: The Khasi Jaintia Government Contractors and Suppliers Association (KJGC&SA) has urged the Meghalaya government to release at least 50 per cent of the pending payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with outstanding dues estimated to exceed Rs 900 crore.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday, KJGC&SA vice-president F.D. Ramsiej said the association had pressed the government to clear at least half of the pending bills to ease the financial burden on contractors.
According to Ramsiej, the Chief Minister attributed the delay in JJM payments to pending guidelines and compliance requirements mandated by the Centre, which are yet to be completed by the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department.
However, Ramsiej said the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the government would explore the possibility of releasing a portion of the funds through state resources. He also indicated that discussions would be held with PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak and senior officials to address the issue.
The Chief Minister further assured the association that he would raise the matter of pending JJM payments during the upcoming meeting of Chief Ministers convened by NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, KJGC&SA president Welcome Langi said the association had submitted a memorandum seeking the government’s immediate intervention to clear the long-pending bills and resolve other issues affecting local contractors.
Expressing optimism, Langi said the association hopes that at least a portion of the outstanding payments will be released in the near future. He reiterated that the total pending amount under the JJM currently stands at more than Rs 900 crore.
The association also voiced concerns over the package tender system, arguing that it limits opportunities for local contractors to participate in government projects.
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