Mandi (Munish Sood)
The Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to release only Rs 80 crore, despite owing Rs 825 crore, for clearing pending payments to Public Works Department (PWD) contractors has drawn widespread criticism.
Not only the contractors, but opposition leaders have also slammed the move as inadequate, accusing the government of neglecting the state’s infrastructure.
Contractors claim their labourers deserting them
Contractors across the state are reeling under the weight of unpaid dues. Pankaj Gupta, a contractor from Kullu, lamented the government’s failure to honour its commitments. “I have Rs 10 lakh in unpaid bills since November. My engineers and labourers are quitting. It’s a mockery of the system,” he said.
Jeevan Singh and Mahinder Thakur, with Rs 15 lakh and more pending, echoed similar frustrations. Projects have stalled as contractors struggle to procure materials or pay their workers.
Atul Kuthiala, a former contractor, described how delayed payments destroyed his livelihood. “I had to sell my equipment, dismiss my team and face immense financial and mental stress,” he shared.
Former CM Jai Ram targets Sukhu govt
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticised the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government, calling it a case of gross mismanagement. “For two months, the treasury has been unofficially closed. Development projects are stalled and contractors are in financial distress,” Thakur said.
He accused the government of failing to prioritise payments and suggested that the Rs 80 crore allocation was a token gesture. “This piecemeal approach will not resolve the crisis. The Congress government must manage finances transparently and address the root cause of the problem,” he said.
PWD Minister comes out in govt’s defence
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh dismissed the opposition’s allegations, asserting that payments are being made transparently in phases. “It is incorrect to say the treasury is closed. The financial crisis is a legacy of successive governments,” Vikramaditya stated.
The Minister explained that the liabilities have accumulated over the past decade, and the government was working systematically to clear them. “We have released Rs 80 crore to address smaller projects and are committed to ensuring development work continues despite challenges,” he said.
Infrastructure at stake, costs of projects escalating
The financial crisis has significantly impacted infrastructure projects, with escalating costs and delayed timelines. Contractors are pulling out of commitments, leaving projects incomplete and the state’s development agenda in jeopardy.
Experts warn that the situation could deter private investments in public infrastructure, further exacerbating the crisis. The lack of trust in the government’s ability to manage finances poses a long-term threat to the state’s growth.
Vikramaditya counterattacks former CM Jai Ram
Vikramaditya Singh questioned Jai Ram Thakur’s concern for contractors, accusing him of neglecting payments during his tenure as Chief Minister. “Why were contractors’ payments left hanging then? Now, he is making baseless allegations instead of contributing meaningfully to Himachal’s development,” he remarked.
The minister urged Jai Ram to focus on bringing major projects from the Centre to the state rather than politicising the issue.
