JHELUM VALLEY (Kashmir English): District Council Jhelum Valley on Saturday unanimously approved the annual budget, amounting to Rs 65.7 million, for the fiscal year 2025–26.
The budget was approved during a session chaired by Chairman Tayyab Manzoor Kiani and attended by 16 members.
Chairman of the Budget Committee, Raja Pervaiz Iqbal Advocate, formally presented the budget, which included administrative expenses of Rs 2.83 million, other expenditures of Rs 17.9 million, and development allocations totaling Rs 46.9 million.
During the session, several resolutions were passed, including the construction of protective bunkers in the Line of Control (LoC) areas, an increase in salaries of District Council employees, and condemnation of non-cooperation by certain institutions in council affairs.
Chairman District Council praised the collective decision-making process, stating, “Alhamdulillah, today marks the successful approval of the third budget of our District Council. The revival of local government after three decades is a milestone in empowering our people.”
He emphasized that every rupee of the budget, whether from government allocations or council-generated resources, would be spent on public welfare.
The council members agreed on enhancing coordination among departments and on promoting agriculture, livestock, tourism, and sports.
Furthermore, the session stressed to work on tackling environmental challenges and climate change and on improving education, health, and solid waste management.
The members also decided to launch a welfare fund and support women’s and youth welfare initiatives.
The council also decided to organize a study tour for its members and recognized the council office as the rightful home of elected representatives.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment to transparency, development, and the restoration of local governance for the betterment of Jhelum Valley’s residents.
