As government and the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) continue to grapple with the draft budget for the next fiscal year, civil society activists on Thursday urged government to draw up a more inclusive budget that can meet the nation’s needs.

The activists said that nepotism and the lack of transparency in the allocation of funds for the development budget are the main problems delaying the approval of the budget.

Activists advocated lawmakers in parliament to reject the budget unless it is a balanced budget.

According to the activists, there is no balance in the allocation of funds for development projects in certain provinces.

“We want to push for a balanced budget, also there should be serious monitoring of budget spending so that the people can feel a change in their lives which has not happened over previous years,” said civil society activist Mohammad Ahangaran.

“Balance has not been considered while allocating funds for the provinces, one province is granted more money while another one less money despite the fact the budget should be drafted in line with the needs and necessities of the people,” said another activist Khalili Raufi.

“Our recommendation to the House of Representatives is not to approve the budget unless balance is considered and reforms are put in place in the draft budget,” said activist Din Mohammad Shakir.

“The budget must be drafted according to the priorities and needs so that it can resolve the problems of the citizens,” said civil society activist Roshan Siyar.