Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday called for more authority to be given to local officials in the country.

He also said balance should be kept in mind towards the development of the provinces.

In future, local officials should predict the government’s budget, said Abdullah, adding that local officials should not be influenced by any sides while undertaking duties in their regions.

Meanwhile, head of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) Abdul Mateen Baig said that to date, the role of local officials has been symbolic and they will reassess their role in the future. 

Meanwhile, Nader Nadery, the chairman of the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC) has said the current number of officials in local institutions does not meet the needs of the provinces and the numbers should be increased.

The statements were made during the National Local Governance Dialogue in Kabul.

The dialogue was attended by more than 250 district governors from across Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan’s budget must be predicted from district to province and then coordinated. It must be carried out at the center and then the budget should be made available locally,” said Abdullah.

“The meeting is aimed to outline a road map or a new law towards strengthening the districts, especially the effectiveness of the districts and the third units and role of the district governors,” said IDLG chief Abdul Mateen Baig.

Some participants criticized the government.

“If attention is not paid to Kuf Ab District of Badakhshan, four to five other districts will also come under threat. The government should send more personnel to these provinces soon,” said Abdul Rafe Meraj, district governor of Kuf Ab District.

Legal and judicial institutions and even our districts have no buildings,” said Abdul Hai Zazai, district governor of Khost’s Gurbuz District