A young entrepreneur from Jammu & Kashmir has called for the intervention of the Honorable Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir to expedite the release of a long-pending payment, despite multiple attempts over the past four years to resolve the issue.
In a statement issued to the media Said that the entrepreneur, who completed an MBA from Amity University and subsequently launched a business aimed at generating employment in the region, was entrusted with the supply of baby kits to the District Program Officer (DPO) of ICDS Baramulla during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. These kits were distributed as part of an initiative to mark International Girl Child Day, with full approval from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Baramulla.
Despite the successful delivery and distribution of these kits, the payment has remained unpaid. The entrepreneur has exhausted all avenues, including multiple communications with concerned authorities, to no avail. In December 2022, the matter was taken to the Lok Adalat, where a clear award was issued, acknowledging the liability of the concerned officials and directing the payment to be made within 30 days. Unfortunately, the payment has still not been released.
Further complicating the situation, the newly appointed DPO, Mr. Yaar Ali Khan (JKAS), has reportedly shown no interest in resolving the matter. He has refused to address the grievance despite repeated attempts from the entrepreneur and has even reversed the progress made by the previous DPO, who had made significant efforts to ensure the payment was processed.
Currently, the matter is in the execution stage at the District Court in Baramulla, and the entrepreneur is concerned that further delays may occur if the authorities continue to evade responsibility.
The entrepreneur has now called upon the Chief Minister to direct the Secretary of Law and the Commissioner Secretary of the Social Welfare Department to intervene and ensure that the payment is released promptly. In addition, they have requested that the officials responsible for the delay and obstruction, particularly Mr. Yaar Ali Khan (JKAS), be held accountable for their actions.
The entrepreneur emphasized that such delays not only harm individuals but also undermine the government’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering a positive business environment in Jammu & Kashmir.
