Sunil Chadha
Shimla : Senior BJP leader and state vice-president Rajesh Sharma has accused the Himachal Pradesh government of withholding payments worth several crores due to contractors for a prolonged period, alleging that this has brought development activities across the state to a standstill.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Sharma said that despite repeated assurances, the government has failed to release pending dues, forcing contractors to suspend both ongoing and new projects. “Contractors are neither starting new works nor participating in tenders because they have lost faith in the government’s commitment,” he said.
CM’s Orders Ignored, Says BJP Leader
Sharma claimed that even though the Chief Minister had directed departments to clear pending bills, the situation on the ground remains unchanged. He said that several contractors are facing severe financial stress, and construction-related works have almost halted in multiple districts.
“The government’s inability to make timely payments has created a financial bottleneck. Departments are running short of funds, and the administration seems paralyzed when it comes to implementing development projects,” Sharma alleged.
Impact on Development and Local Economy
The BJP vice-president warned that the delay in disbursement is not only affecting public infrastructure works but also hurting the livelihoods of hundreds of workers associated with these projects.
“From road construction to building repairs, every sector is suffering. The government’s negligence is directly impacting local employment and small businesses dependent on public works,” he added.
Call for Immediate Action
Sharma demanded that the state government take immediate steps to release all pending payments and restore normalcy in public works. “The Chief Minister should intervene personally to ensure that contractors receive their dues without further delay,” he said.
The opposition has also indicated plans to raise the issue more strongly in upcoming public forums, citing it as an example of “administrative failure and financial mismanagement.”
The issue of non-payment to contractors has sparked a new round of political confrontation in Himachal Pradesh, with the BJP accusing the ruling government of stalling development through fiscal mismanagement. Despite official directives from the Chief Minister, ground reports suggest that the situation remains unresolved.
