Peerzada Sayeed
Karnah kupwara:(KNS) A critical shortage of funds in the Karnah Treasury has left hundreds of current and retired employees, contractors, and pensioners unable to access their rightful payments. This financial crisis has caused widespread distress, with bills worth crores of rupees awaiting clearance.
According to sources, GP Fund bills totaling ?10 crores have been pending since September 26, 2024. Additionally, gratuity and other GP Fund and CP Fund bills worth ?4.25 crores, ?9 lakhs in arrears, ?3.30 crores for contractors, ?30 lakhs for SLI, ?6 lakhs in land compensation, and ?3 lakhs in R&B deposits are yet to be processed. Furthermore, leave salary bills amounting to ?83 lakhs and ?6 lakhs for revised pensions of old-age pensioners remain unpaid.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), a local contractor expressed his frustration, stating, “We completed the assigned projects in good faith, assuming the payments would be cleared on time. Now, our bills worth crores are lying unpaid, and we are left struggling to pay laborers and suppliers. This is causing immense financial stress for us.”
This shortage of funds has severely disrupted government payments and financial operations.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelLocal employees explained that GP Fund withdrawals are often necessary during emergencies, such as children’s weddings, house construction or repairs, or medical treatments. However, accessing their own money has become a daunting challenge.
A female employee shared her ordeal, stating, “I am exhausted from repeated visits to the treasury. Despite completing all paperwork and submitting my file three months ago, I still have no clarity on when my funds will be released. We are being told the treasury has no money.”
Other employees revealed that they initiated construction projects assuming their funds would be available promptly. Now, their files are gathering dust, and creditors are visiting their homes demanding repayment. Pensioners, too, are facing difficulties in accessing their revised pensions, leaving many struggling to meet their basic needs.
The affected individuals have urged the government to take immediate action to address the treasury’s financial crisis. They demand the timely release of funds to clear pending bills and ensure relief for employees, contractors, and pensioners alike.(KNS)