MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Tuesday conceded to most of the demands put forward by local government (LG) representatives following their threat of a strike and a march towards the Legislative Assembly.

The accepted demands include provision of funds, creation of new posts and a one-year extension in the tenure of LG institutions.

The agreement was reached during a meeting at Kashmir House between a six-member ministerial committee and a delegation representing LG institutions.

Last Saturday, hundreds of LG representatives gathered in Muzaffarabad, warning the government of an impending strike on Friday, to be followed by a march on the assembly if their long-pending charter of demands was not met.

According to an official press release, the ministerial committee assured the delegation that the amended Local Government Act, 1990, already approved by the cabinet, would be presented in the upcoming assembly session.

Additionally, the budget allocations for local councils would be distributed through the Finance Commission.

The meeting also decided that local councils lacking office spaces would be allotted at least two kanals of land from khalsa (crown land) or shamilat (common land). Furthermore, new posts for secretaries would be created for 95 newly established union councils.

To enhance administrative efficiency, it was agreed that staffing positions within local councils would be rationalised to ensure adequate personnel. The tenure of local councils would also be extended to five years.

After the assembly’s approval of the amended Local Government Act, a committee would be formed to finalise rules, regulations and the conduct of business within a month.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2025