Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the government would go for district budget in near future for decentralisation of power and balanced development of the country. “Centrally (now), we formulate the budget …development activities of the district are done by the centre, this won’t continue in the future. We’ll seek budget outline from you, too,” she said. The Prime Minister said the government will seek the name of the sectors in near future on which the budget needs more allocation. “You’ll decide the sectors for ensuring the development and through this it would be helpful of providing better services to the people’s doorsteps,” she said. The Prime Minister said this while delivering her introductory speech in a views-exchange meeting with the administrators of 61 districts at her official residence Ganobhaban. She said the size and population of the districts are different in the country. “We’ll formulate our budget in the future considering the size, number of upazilas, unions and population.” Hasina mentioned that the district-wise demand and development would be considered during the formulation of the district budget. She said the government wants to spur economic activities at the district level and set up economic zone in every area for the small and medium industries. The Prime Minister also said the government wants to decentralise law enforcement agencies and education. She said there would be a separate law enforcement agency for a particular area apart of the centralised law-enforcing agencies. Hasina, also the Awami League chief, said policymaking, budget allocation, planning and monitoring would be under the jurisdiction of the centre. “Other power will be delegated to different levels of the district to ensure optimum service to people.” She mentioned that the district administration has wider duties and if her government is voted to power again it will be given more responsibilities. -UNB
