r c ] ~ sometimes, 2 handsome amount becomes due to the contractor in last bill, (2) sent of final bill takes considerable time which can be seen from the previous Payldata {hat final bills of various contracts have been pending for the last two . yrs. Blockage ‘of such huge amount of the contractors on the plea of final bill may rot only lead to litigation but is also unjustifiable from humanitarian point of view. (A reat Mis New Jehium Constucion Company, Jammu leter No NICCIHO 35BRTF dated 20 Nov 2020 is also enclosed for perusal, please) Sometimes, funds in certain jobs are not available in the next year due to physical completion of work making it strenuous for the TF to make payment due to the contractor as and when the final bills 's submitted by the contractor. Moreover, there are many jobs which have been physically completed on ground and CR part ‘A’ has been initiated but due to pending liability on account of contract against final bill the CR part 'B' could rot be initiated leading to number of old cases pending for completion report Part ‘8’ (@). The practice of releasing the retention money in final bil was being followed prior to this letter issued by HQ CE (P) Beacon. Had it not been in order, it would have been objected by audit authorities/super review team etc. 5, Therefore, it is proposed to release the retention money to the contractors after Successful completion of work without waiting for final bill so as to avoid any financial hardship to the contractor. However, if the amount of retention money is less than 1.6 lakhs same shall be released to be contractor with Final bill and vice versa the same to be released to the contractor after successful completion of work. 6. Moreover it also helps in booking of financial progress in critical quarters & also matches with physical & financial progress. 7. Considering the above facts it is requested to reconsider the issue and further directions may please be conveyed. (H Murthy) SE (Civ) Encls (.°'Sheet) Commander fae