Billion for betterment: First development budget presented by city district council

Rs1,306.9m announced with bulk of funds for education, roads

PESHAWAR: The city district government announced its first development budget of Rs1,306.9 million. The budget was presented by district nazim Muhammad Asim Khan on Tuesday.

“The total estimated income of the city district government is Rs490.7 million while the estimated expenditure is Rs440.1 million,” said district convener Syed Qasim Ali Shah at the budget session held at District Council Hall in the city on Tuesday.

Education and road works were allocated Rs163.25 million each. The nazim said Rs81.62 million has been set aside for health. “Out of the amount [for health] Rs20 million will be spent on basic health units for rural areas,” said Asim. Furthermore, Rs40.8 million has set aside for agriculture purposes and Rs81.6 million for water and sanitation services in the district.

“Rs40.8 million has been allocated for women’s development and youth affairs and sports respectively.” Besides, the nazim, said Rs102.39 million has been set aside for elected district members and Rs204.06 million as discretionary funds. He added Rs1.113 million will be given to each district council member.

Income generation

Asim said the city district government generates income from 11 areas. “Rs48.5 million has been generated from rent of property,” he said, adding Rs1.5 million have been received as transfer fees from shops and Rs270 million from terminals that come under the city district government.

Moreover, Asim told participants at the session Rs4.5 million was generated from public latrines.

“We have increased the funds for special education,” said Asim. He added the city district government gives Rs251.99 million in salaries to workers in the municipal administration.

Meanwhile, members of the opposition protested outside the District Council Hall.

Pakistan Peoples Party’s Razaullah Khan Chagharmatti said treasury members did not give an opportunity to members of the Opposition to talk on the district council floor. He said they have not voted for the budget to be passed. “The budget includes the income received from the general bus stand, although the bus stand comes under Town-I and towns have a separate budget.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th,  2015.