Khuli Kutchery organised by the Foundation in collaboration with District Government Mardan & local CSOs
In collaboration with the District Nazim’s office, the Local Government Department and partner CSOs, the Foundation organized the first in a series of khuli kutcheries (townhall meetings) in Mardan under its Citizen Engagement for Responsive & Accountable Governance (Cerag) project funded by the EU.
More than 100 people attended the event, including about 60 local people and CSO activists, 12 government officials and local councillors, 10 journalists and 10 CSO representatives from other parts of KP. Participating citizens discussed 75 public issues with the government representatives. These included nine improvements needed in local schools, like upgradation of schools, additional rooms, more teachers, provision of drinking water for students, etc. Demands for a civil dispensary, regular collection of garbage, removal of encroachments, and, provision of a football ground and graveyard were also made. The Nazim and other government representatives issued instructions, where possible and promised followup on other matters.
In the lead up to the event, extensive preparatory meetings were held with local communities as well as all lead government representatives including the District Nazim & Naib Nazim, Tehsil Nazim & Naib Nazim, VC Nazims, and key government officials including the Deputy Commissioner, ADLG, etc. The government authorized the use of the Government Higher Secondary School, Gujjar Ghari for the event.