Hattian Bala (Azadi Times Report): The Jhelum Valley District Council has unanimously approved the annual budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The budget, amounting to Rs. 52,610,610, was presented and approved after an extensive discussion during a budget meeting chaired by District Council Chairman, Tayyab Manzoor Kayani. A total of 20 council members participated in the session.
The budget allocates Rs. 2,717,542 for administrative expenses, Rs. 14,319,000 for miscellaneous expenses, and Rs. 35,074,138 for development projects. The collected revenue will be utilized to achieve various predetermined objectives in the fiscal year, as decided in consultation with the budget committee members and the district council members.
During the session, multiple resolutions were also tabled and approved. Advocate Chaudhry Abdul Jabbar, a district council member, presented a resolution condemning India’s exploitative decision of August 5, which was unanimously passed by the council. He also proposed a resolution addressing the ongoing strike by revenue department employees, urging the government to resolve their legitimate demands to alleviate public suffering.
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Another member, Raja Azeem Zahid, advocated for the regularization of work charge employees in the district council and recommended a salary increase. Similarly, Raja Parvez Iqbal urged the Prime Minister to take action for the regularization of district council employees who have been serving for a long time.
District Council Member Asad Arshad Chughtai presented a resolution calling for the full restoration of law and order in Pakistan and the release of Imran Khan, along with demands for media freedom. Another resolution was presented by Syed Sajid Hamdani, highlighting the shortage of staff in the Public Health Department and requesting the provision of positions, particularly for Union Council Sehnan Daman, which has made significant sacrifices in the Greater Water Supply Scheme.
Syed Hasnain Kazmi, another member, introduced a resolution addressing the environmental pollution caused by the crush plants in Jhelum Valley, calling for immediate remedial action.
Chairman Tayyab Manzoor Kayani, in his address, emphasized the significance of the day’s proceedings in strengthening and activating the local government system. He thanked the budget committee members, district council members, and staff for their contributions to the preparation and approval of the budget. He outlined the council’s key objectives, including improving the credibility of the district council, increasing resources, enhancing coordination between departments, promoting agriculture, improving markets and tourist spots, launching a website for public information, organizing sports festivals, addressing environmental changes, establishing union council offices, conducting capacity-building workshops for councilors, and improving the education and health sectors.
Kayani also highlighted the protests by local government members this year, which lasted for five days, and mentioned their four key demands: inclusion of funds for local government institutions in the normal ADP, expedited passage of the Local Government Act 2024 from the relevant forum, issuance of the mandatory notification under Section 90, Subsection 9, Clause 2, and the construction of Union Council offices. While some of their demands were met, assurances were given for the approval of the remaining ones.
He announced that Jhelum Valley Day will be observed on October 1st, where the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and the Minister of Local Government will be invited to discuss district issues. On the same day, individuals with outstanding performance will be honored with shields.
This budget approval marks a significant step forward in fortifying the local government system and enhancing public trust in local institutions.
