KABUL (SW): A leaked documents from the Wolesi Jirga (lower house)’s security and privileges committee demanding raise in perks and privileges for the members has caused an uproar.
In this leaked document, the government has been asked to increase the salary of the members by AFN 45,000 to AFN 90,000, mobile phone expenses to up to AFN 10,000, fuel for car worth up to AFN 20,000 and house rent up to AFN 50,000.
Syed Ikram Afzali, head of the Integrity Watch Afghanistan, told Salam Watandar that the WJ members seem to be blackmailing the government for these perks by rejecting the draft of Annual Budget 2018-19. He added the Ministry of Finance in the past succumbed to the pressure of the MPs, and earmarked funds for unnecessary projects, but now it is resisting the pressure.
Ramazan Bashar Dost, a member of the WJ’s security and privileges committee, has echoed these allegations. He said this letter is one reason why the WJ members have ‘besieged’ the Annual Budget 2018-19. He went on to say the government has always bowed to the pressure from the WJ members, and it seems to be the case this time as well. He regretted that the MPs are not bothered by the imbalances and other relevant issues in the Annual Budget 2018-19, but are delaying its approval simply for personal gains.
Meanwhile, Ajmal Abdul Hamidzay, spokesman for the Ministry of Finance, has clarified that no such document has reached the MoF. He vowed the MoF would ensure any amendments to the Annual Budget 2018-19 are in line with the national interests.
ENDS
