Oghi council demands powers under LG Act 2013

MANSEHRA: The Tehsil Council Oghi held its first session after the local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, seeking the powers enshrined in the Local Government Act 2013 to better serve the grassroots level.

“This is a misery for local governments, as we could hold an inaugural session almost two years after our elections. I assure you that we will fight for our rights and funds through constant struggle and unity,” said Nawabzada Hassam, the tehsil chairman, addressing the council on Friday.

The session, presided over by council member Arif Shah, adopted a resolution seeking the royalty of minerals excavated from parts of the tehsil.

"We have treasures of granite and other minerals but have been without its royalty for long, which should be awarded to the Tehsil Municipal Administration Oghi for public welfare," one of the councillors stated.

Dr. Wajid, Sabir Tanoli, Mohammad Khan, Zahir Khan Swati, Amir Khan, and others also spoke during the session, strongly denouncing the withholding of development and other funds by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

"If we are united, none, not even the government, can deprive us of development funds and rights enshrined in the LG Act 2013," Hassam asserted.

The tehsil chairman also announced the formation of committees for different public sector departments, including health, education, and communication, to address issues faced by people in tehsil, village, and neighbourhood councils.

"I will take up all the issues raised here by members of their respective village and neighbourhood councils with the deputy commissioner and ensure their redressal," Hassam promised.

He emphasised that the government should immediately release development funds, office rents, and other expenses to village and neighborhood councils across the tehsil to address civic issues.