Aatif Quyoom

Handwara, Sept 15 (KNS): Several contractors of Mawar area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Tuesday alleged block employees using nepotism cards while approving developmental works in the area.

Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), contractors said the block employees of Panchayat are approving developmental works in native areas as per their will and hence violating the guidelines set by the Government.

They said during pandemic situation employees of several Panchayat blocks were shifted to native areas and were asked to apprise administration about the developmental needs in their areas. However instead of following due protocol, they came under influence and approved works at their own will.

"The surroundings of influential persons were taken on priority basis and approved works were given to close relatives, hence deprived the existing contractors amid pandemic situation", they said.

They appealed Deputy Commissioner Kupwara to look into the matter and safeguard the livelihood of contractors working in the field since years. (KNS)