Siliguri, 13th February: Contractors staged a demonstration in Siliguri on Friday demanding clearance of pending payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The protest was organised under the banner of the Northern Public Health Engineering Mechanical Contractors’ Welfare Association.
The protesters alleged that payments related to repair works and other components have been pending for a prolonged period. According to association members, their dues have remained unpaid for the past 14–15 months, with outstanding payments amounting to nearly ₹250 crore.
Association president Paritosh Bhowmik stated that all assigned works were completed as per prescribed norms, but non-payment has pushed contractors into severe financial distress. He warned that if the dues are not cleared at the earliest, the organisation would be compelled to launch a larger agitation and, if necessary, approach the Chief Minister in Kolkata.
Association member Anup Basu said that despite repeated assurances from authorities, the pending payments have not been released. He added that even after verification of completed works by the government, the dues remain unsettled. The association made it clear that the agitation would be intensified at the state level if an early resolution is not reached.