Jaipur: A fresh confrontation has emerged between Rajasthan’s Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) contractors and the state government after contractors alleged that promised payments were not released despite official assurances. The dispute has triggered renewed protest warnings, with contractors threatening a statewide strike that could affect ongoing water supply and infrastructure works.
According to reports, contractor groups had earlier suspended agitation after discussions with government representatives, who reportedly assured immediate release of pending dues amounting to nearly ₹2,500 crore. However, contractors now claim that the promises remained largely unfulfilled, forcing them to reconsider protest action.
The issue is linked to delayed payments for completed works under various PHED projects, including Jal Jeevan Mission schemes, rural drinking water pipelines, maintenance contracts and urban water infrastructure. Contractors have alleged that many firms completed projects months ago, yet bills remain unpaid, creating severe financial distress for small and medium contractors.
Representatives of the protest committee stated that delayed clearances have made it difficult to pay labourers, suppliers, machinery rentals and bank liabilities. Many contractors also complained that despite pending dues, departments imposed penalties, liquidated damages and administrative hurdles on firms already facing cash flow problems.
The protest assumes significance because PHED is responsible for drinking water supply systems across Rajasthan. Any prolonged strike by contractors could slow repair works, pipeline expansion, maintenance of pumping stations and implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission targets in several districts, especially during the summer season when water demand peaks.
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Sources indicated that following recent negotiations, some protest actions were temporarily withdrawn, but dissatisfaction remains strong within contractor associations. They have warned that if the government does not release dues within a fixed timeline, work stoppages and statewide demonstrations may resume.
Political observers say the matter could become sensitive for the state government, as delays in water-related projects directly affect citizens. Opposition parties may also seek accountability over pending payments, project management and implementation of flagship schemes.
Industry experts have urged the government to establish a transparent digital payment tracking system, time-bound bill clearances and grievance redressal mechanisms to prevent repeated conflicts between departments and executing agencies.
