Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has decided to release funds for the honorarium of the local government representatives and introduce necessary amendments in the Local Government Act.
The K-P government has taken significant steps to address the challenges faced by elected local bodies.
In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, attended by provincial minister for Local Government, Arshad Ayub Khan, Secretary Local Government, administrative secretaries, and representatives of various councils, crucial decisions were made.
Key issues concerning local bodies were thoroughly discussed, resulting in decisions aimed at immediate action. It was decided to allocate funds for the honorarium and benefits of elected representatives, doubling the honorarium for mayors and tehsil chairmen.
Necessary amendments to the Local Government Act will be introduced to enable the provincial government to provide developmental grants to local bodies.
Furthermore, the chief minister approved a shuhada package for the families of slain elected representatives, similar to that of government employees.
Additionally, the honorarium for chairmen of village and neighborhood councils will be increased, along with enhanced office rent payments. The chief minister instructed authorities to compile details of vehicles available with deputy commissioners to facilitate LG representatives with official conveyance.
These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening local governance and supporting elected representatives in serving their communities effectively.
It was also decided in the meeting to enhance the honorarium of the chairmen of village and neighborhood councils and enhance the amount of rent being paid for the offices of village and neighborhood councils. The chief minister directed the concerned authorities to get the details of vehicles available with deputy commissioners across the province so that the LG representatives could be facilitated with official conveyance facilities.
Gandapur described the local governments as of vital importance to resolve public issues at the grassroots level. He said that LG system in the province would be strengthened and facilitated as per the vision of Imran Khan.
He remarked that administrative and legal reforms would be introduced to improve and empower the existing system, and the elected representatives will be extended all-out support to enable them to deliver to the public at the local level.
“We are elected public representatives, and as such we honor and respect the mandate of public. The people have expectations from their elected representatives whether they are of local bodies, provincial or national assembly,” he stated, adding that issues faced by the local bodies representatives would be resolved on priority.
The Chief Minister flagged the financial crunch being faced by the provincial government, and said that due to nonpayment of the liabilities and due shares of the province by the Centre, the provincial government is facing difficulties but he is trying his best to get the due rights of the province.
He urged upon the LG representatives to extend full support to the provincial government in this regard irrespective of their political affiliation as it was a matter of provincial rights.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2024.
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