PHAGWARA: everal service providers and vendors remain unpaid for goods and services supplied during Punjab’s panchayat elections held on October 15 last year leading to mounting frustration and financial strain among those involved. According to sources, the local administration had hired sound systems, vehicles, videography services, tents, and other equipment for election preparations and rehearsals. While bills were forwarded to the administration, only partial payments have reportedly been made to a few individuals, leaving many without any reimbursement despite repeated visits to government offices.
The local administration maintains that all bills were submitted to the district administration and advises vendors to follow up there. In turn, district officials state that they have distributed the funds received from the state government, but with the close of the previous financial year, there is little clarity on whether additional payments will be released.
Among those affected is Harpreet Singh, who, along with fellow shopkeepers, supplied fans and vehicles for the polls. He claims he is owed around ₹50, 000, has yet to receive a single rupee, and has already paid other vendors out of his own pocket. Singh has appealed to the Punjab Chief Minister to intervene and ensure pending payments are cleared.
When contacted, Phagwara SDM Jashanjit Singh said all payments were believed to have been settled, but assured that any specific pending cases brought to the administration’s attention would be verified and addressed promptly.