SHANGLA: The district council here the other day passed unanimously the Rs2.331 billion non-development budget for the fiscal year 2019-20.
Giving breakdown of the budget, district nazim Niaz Ahmed Khan said Rs2.984 billion had been allocated for payment of salaries, while Rs247 million had been set aside for non-salary component.
He said education always remained on top of his priorities as in the Annual Development Programme 2016-17, the district council had distributed 147 laptops, cash prizes and awarded scholarships to position-holding students. He added a total of Rs26.2 million had been allocated for education in fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19.
The district nazim said that Rs7 million had been earmarked for appointment of female tutors to boost girls’ literacy in the district. “CCTV cameras in examination halls were also installed to end cheating culture. Besides, Rs322.6 million has been set aside for installation of solar panels, construction of boundary walls and water schemes in schools,” he explained.
After the budget speech, councillors from various union councils pointed out the problems of their respective localities. Shamsur Rahman, a councillor from Dehrai, appreciated the recent projects initiated by the district government, particularly construction of a trauma centre, a jirga hall, and other schemes.
He, however, demanded of the education department to appoint teachers because most girls’ schools in his union council lacked teaching staff.
Sher Ali Khan, district councillor from Chakesar, tabled a resolution, condemning the ‘derogatory’ remarks of information minister Shaukat Yousafzai against Awami National Party head Asfandyar Wali Khan. The resolution was passed unanimously.
