Budget announced for Mardan district

MARDAN: A budget of Rs9.01 billion was presented for Mardan district for fiscal year 2016-17 during a budget session on Friday. This was stated in a handout issued the same day. At least Rs98.35 million has been allocated for development projects alone. The session was presided over by naib nazim Asadullah.

Speaking at the session, Mardan district nazim Himayatullah Mayar said the budget was meticulously prepared after detailed consultations with the government officials, members of the house and political parties.

Allocations

“At least Rs50.79 million was allocated for the department of education while Rs50.79 million was allocated for the construction and repair of roads,” the statement read. “In addition, Rs20.43 million was allocated for health sector, Rs10.24 million was allocated for the agricultural sector, 10.44 million for women empowerment, Rs10.49 million for sports and Rs70 million allocated for government affairs.”

Opportunity knocks

“Top 100 position holders in the annual matriculation and intermediate exams will receive cash prizes under the Storey da Mardan project,” the document stated. “Similarly, cash prizes will also be awarded to grade eight position holders at the union council level under the Guloono da Mardan project.”

As per the handout, Rs0.5 million was also allocated for a project that includes the distribution of school uniforms and stationery items to underprivileged students at all union councils.

Mayar said a large sum of money was also allocated to install solar panels at hospitals and set up electricity turbines on canals so that low cost electricity can be provided to citizens. He added the office building of district town nazim will be replaced with a shopping plaza.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2016.