TIMERGARA, July 12: The district council approved on Saturday Rs710 million budget for Lower Dir for the financial year 2003-4.

Budget session of the district council was presided over by the convener, Haji Mohammad Rasool Khan.

The district government earmarked Rs36.7 million for developmental schemes while non-developmental expenditures were estimated at Rs675.5 million for the year 2003-04, with a deficit of Rs2.2 million.

In his speech Nazim Advocate Alamzaib Khan assured that funds would be distributed among union councils equally, however district government would give priority to the less developed areas. He said that union councils would receive funds on merit.

Earlier, the council members demanded of the government to increase study tour funds and ensure participation of women councillors in the development activities.

They urged the government to reduce non-developmental expenditures and maintain transparency in funds utilization.