Govt releases Rs1.15b for tehsil councils
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department has released Rs1.15 billion for the payment of salaries and pensions to employees of 64 tehsil councils in the province.
Previously, the non-release of funds to these councils had resulted in delays in disbursing salaries and pensions, resulting in widespread protests.
The allocated funds cover the period from January to March of the current year, ensuring that employees receive their dues for the specified timeframe.
Notably, Haripur Tehsil has received the highest allocation of Rs100 million.
It may be recalled that last week the local government employees announced a protest against the non-payment of salaries and pensions.
The leaders of the Municipal Workers Union (MWU) said that if the finance department did not release a special grant to enable salary payment, they would protest on the streets during the month of Ramazan.
Pakistan Local Government Workers Federation (PLGWF) office bearers said in press statement that the employees of the majority of TMAs across the province had been deprived of their monthly salaries and pensions for the last four months.
Employees of more than 50 municipal institutions, including the Chief Minister's hometown of Dera Ismail Khan, were protesting against this injustice.
They criticized the provincial government for comparing its performance with the Punjab, saying K-P government's performance is zero in addressing people issues.
They claimed the government is punishing people for giving it a heavy mandate, and both municipal employees and the general public have run out of patience due to the chief minister and his cabinet's policies.
They warned of holding protests during the month of Ramazan against the government, if the Finance Department fails to release a special grant for municipal institutions.
The lack of administrative powers and funds to the local government representatives is a bone of contention between the provincial government and tehsil municipal administration.
Last month LG representatives announced a protest in Peshawar against lack of funds and powers.
Despite repeated assurances, the local councilors have not received the necessary powers and financial support, leading to a wide range of problems.
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