A severe financial crisis in Jammu Kashmir’s government treasuries has left employees, contractors, and pensioners struggling to cope with delayed payments.
Pensioners awaiting retirement benefits, including gratuity and leave salary, and government employees waiting for their General Provident Fund (GPF) payments, have been hardest hit.
Contractors working with key departments such as Roads and Buildings and Jal Shakti also face months-long delays in payments for completed projects.
“I have been waiting for my GPF payment for over six months now,” said one government employee.
“It’s affecting not just me but my entire family.” Similarly, contractors reported financial and legal challenges as post-dated cheques began bouncing due to non-payment.
“This is forcing many of us out of the profession,” lamented Ghulam Jeelani Purza, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Contractors Association.
The contractors’ association criticized the administration for failing to clear bills within the stipulated 24-hour period, accusing it of ignoring the crisis despite contractors’ contributions during past emergencies.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar also expressed grave concern over the situation. Describing it as “frightening,” he noted that the administration seems focused on ceremonial events while ignoring the economic strain.
“This pervasive cash crunch signals a looming economic breakdown in Jammu Kashmir,” he said. Akhtar urged the government to release the 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) withheld since July, a benefit central government employees received six months ago.