K-P councils get funding boost

LG reps claim village councils unfunded

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has released funds for 51 tehsils, while local government representatives have protested against the non-release of funds for neighborhood and village councils.

They have called for an important meeting in Peshawar this month According to a statement issued by the Finance Department, the funds released for the 51 tehsil councils in the province amount to 3.29 billion rupees.

Abbottabad's two tehsil councils will receive 180 million rupees,

Bannu's tehsil councils will receive 96 million rupees,Batgram will receive 130 million rupees, The four tehsils in Buner will receive 180 million rupees, Charsadda will receive 80 million rupees, Two tehsils in Lower Chitral will receive 90 million rupees, Two tehsils in Upper Chitral will receive 50 million rupees, Dera Ismail Khan will receive 180 million rupees, The four tehsils in Lower Dir will receive 170 million rupees, The two tehsils in Upper Dir will receive 140 million rupees, Three tehsils in Haripur will receive 200 million rupees, Three tehsils in Karak will receive 200 million rupees, Two tehsils in Kohat will receive 70 million rupees, The tehsil in Upper Kohistan will receive 40 million rupees, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's three tehsils in Kolaspals will receive 30 million rupees, Three tehsils in Malakand will receive 140 million rupees, Two tehsils in Mansehra will receive 50 million rupees, Two tehsils in Mardan will receive 200 million rupees, Nowshera will receive 70 million rupees, Two tehsils in Peshawar will receive 300 million rupees, Two tehsils in Shangla will receive 200 million rupees, One tehsil in Swat will receive 70 million rupees, and Three tehsils in Swabi will receive 280 million rupees.

Coordinator of the Local Councils Association, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Intizar Ali Khalil, stated that the government has ignored 4,212 village and neighborhood councils. An emergency meeting has been scheduled for December 9 in Peshawar, where discussions will be held regarding peaceful protests and sit-ins, and the date and location will be finalised.

Funding village councils in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is crucial for the overall development and empowerment of local communities. These councils, as part of the local governance structure, are designed to address grassroots issues, ensure better service delivery, and promote democratic participation at the community level. However, to fulfill these roles effectively, they need adequate financial resources.

Firstly, adequate funding would enable village councils to carry out essential tasks such as maintaining local infrastructure, improving sanitation, building schools, and facilitating health services. Many villages in KP, especially in rural areas, face challenges related to poor infrastructure and limited access to basic amenities. Without the necessary funds, councils are often unable to initiate or sustain development projects that could significantly improve the quality of life for local populations.

Moreover, village councils in KP can play a vital role in fostering local governance and political participation. Empowering these councils with proper funding allows them to act as platforms for local democracy, giving people a voice in decision-making processes. This financial autonomy enables local representatives to address specific needs, such as agricultural support, road maintenance, and resolving conflicts, all of which are integral to community well-being.