Srinagar – A young entrepreneur from Jammu and Kashmir has reached out to the Chief Minister, urging intervention to resolve a prolonged payment dispute that has spanned over four years. Despite multiple efforts and a favorable Lok Adalat judgment in 2022, the payment for a supply contract remains pending.
Faizan Mohammad, an MBA graduate from Amity University and Director of Samzan Pvt Ltd, had been contracted during the COVID-19 pandemic to supply baby kits to the District Program Officer (DPO) of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Baramulla. The project, approved by the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, aimed to support International Girl Child Day initiatives. Although the kits were delivered and fully utilized, the agreed-upon payment has yet to be released.
“The kits were distributed successfully during the peak of the pandemic, but despite completing all formalities, the payment has not been made,” Mohammad stated. He emphasized that he explored every possible avenue, including repeated communications with government officials and filing complaints, but no resolution was reached.
In December 2022, the matter was brought before the Lok Adalat, where a binding judgment ordered the payment to be made within 30 days. However, the directive has not been implemented. The entrepreneur alleges that bureaucratic delays, particularly under the current DPO of Baramulla, Mr. Yaar Ali Khan (JKAS), have further compounded the issue. Mohammad claims that Khan reversed progress made by his predecessor, rejecting the file without due consideration.
Adding to his concerns, Mohammad fears that officials may attempt to further delay the process by contesting the Lok Adalat’s ruling in court. The matter is currently at the execution stage in the District Court of Baramulla, but Mohammad has expressed frustration at the lack of accountability.
“The new government’s focus on timely grievance redressal and supporting young entrepreneurs is being undermined by such delays,” he remarked. He has requested the Chief Minister to direct the Secretary of Law and the Commissioner Secretary of the Social Welfare Department to intervene and ensure the payment is released promptly.
Faizan Mohammad’s case highlights the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir, where systemic delays and bureaucratic inefficiencies can stifle initiatives aimed at economic growth. His company, Samzan Pvt Ltd, which operates in the hospitality sector, has been a notable contributor to employment generation in the region. Despite these contributions, the prolonged ordeal has raised concerns about the state’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.
The entrepreneur has also called for accountability measures against officials responsible for the delay, particularly Mr. Yaar Ali Khan, whose actions he describes as unprofessional and obstructive. Mohammad believes such interventions are necessary to restore trust in the government’s ability to support businesses and uphold the rule of law.
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Burhan Nazir is a Photo Journalist with The Chenab Times, also writes for Citizen Journalism section.
