Srinagar, In a pressing financial crisis, the government treasuries in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are reported to be empty, casting a shadow over the festive spirit of Eidul Fitr, with government employees and contractors left in a state of dismay due to unpaid salaries and dues.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the scarcity of funds has led to a significant backlog of payments, affecting not only the government employees who have been without salaries for several months but also contractors who are awaiting their dues. A demonstration by a group of contractors outside the District Treasury Office in Budgam underscored the severity of the situation, as they voiced their grievances regarding the stalled payments.

Officials have indicated that the treasuries across IIOJK are facing a financial shortfall, with liabilities exceeding Rs 300 crore, resulting in hardship for employees, pensioners, and contractors alike. This shortfall has forced many to seek redressal for their financial claims, only to face further delays and uncertainty.

The financial strain is so acute that even permanent employees across various government departments find themselves without salaries for the past few months, a situation that has exacerbated the distress among daily wage workers as well. Contractors have expressed concerns over the cash flow management, questioning the BJP-led government’s ability to manage its finances effectively, given the apparent bankruptcy that has hindered its capacity to clear existing liabilities.

With Eidul Fitr fast approaching, many government employees and contractors had hoped for a resolution to their financial woes. However, the ongoing fiscal challenges have dampened expectations, leaving scores of claimants in a precarious position as they continue to await payments that have been pending for months. This situation has not only affected the livelihoods of those directly involved but also highlighted broader concerns over financial management and governance in IIOJK.