K-P assures gradual hike in LG powers, funding

Minister asks tehsil chairmen to avoid double taxation

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Minister for Local Government, Elections and Rural Development, Sardar Faisal Amin Gandapur has said that the powers and funds for LG representatives will be gradually increased despite the financial difficulties.

He revealed that the provincial government is chalking out a comprehensive package based on salaries and benefits for LG chairmen of the entire province, including the merged districts.

The package is being submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval soon, he added.

He clarified that the government is fully aware of the problems and difficulties faced by LG representatives and assured that all their problems and demands will be resolved on priority.

He was talking to a 15-member representative delegation of tehsil chairmen who met him to present their demands including lack of funds as well as offices and office staff despite the passage of one year.

Secretary LG&RD Syed Zaheerul Islam Shah, Coordination Secretary Sajid Gul and Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Khan Mehsud were also present on the occasion.

In the meeting held on this occasion, the problems, suggestions and recommendations about tehsil and town to village, neighborhood chairmen and general, minority and women councilors were reviewed in detail and their early resolution was assured at various levels.

Some necessary decisions were also taken on this occasion.

“The resources and powers of the local government representatives will be gradually increased and in this regard the lack of funds will not be made hurdle so that the LG representatives are able to solve the problems of the people at the local level,” said the minister, adding that elected representatives should serve general public in line with the policies of the current provincial government.

However, he expressed the hope that local government representatives will fully understand and realize the current difficult economic and political situation and ground realities of the country and will fully cooperate with the provincial government in this regard.

He said that it is the need of the hour to bring the province out of economic difficulties along with speeding up the process of cleanliness, hygiene and balanced activities of construction and development at the level of streets and markets across the province.

He said the LG representatives are rightly expected to come true to the expectations of the masses.

On this occasion secretary LG government urged the tehsil chairmen to strictly adhere to the local government schedule and financial discipline, avoid double taxation and, if necessary, seek written approval from the provincial government before imposing any new tax.