RAWALPINDI, Jan 15: Delay in release of funds is impeding the bifurcation process of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, well-placed sources told Dawn.

The federal government had approved the plan about three months go, but funds have not been released for the implementation of the project. On the other hand, the RCB president Brig Hamid Khalil has directed the officials concerned to complete the spade work for bifurcation up to January 22.

Preparation of lists of employees for the two cantonments and division of assets is in the final stage but the new cantonment can start working only when funds are released for the establishment of offices, purchase of office equipment and other materials.

The RCB has also requested the federal government to release a grant of Rs40 million for the Chaklala Cantonment to be put in place. Several meetings have also taken place between the RCB officials and the officials of the ministry of defence in this connection. But no funds have been released so far, which is hampering the bifurcation process.