TIMERGARA, Dec 4: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa senior minister Sirajul Haq has said that the provincial government has signed an agreement with the European Union for 80 million euros for carrying out development projects in six districts of Malakand division.

Talking to journalists here the other day Mr Siraj said the programme aimed to contribute towards an effective development and peace building. He said it would improve democracy and rule of law making it more accountable and providing equitable opportunities for better health, education and employment.

The minister said the purpose of the fund was to support the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in reforming public administration at district level to improve service delivery, economic growth and local governance.

Of the total amount, he said 64 million euros would be spent on sector support, 7.5million Euro for social mobilisation and 8.5 million euros for services.

Mr Haq said under the project activities would be carried out in Lower and Upper Dir, Malakand, Swat, Shangla and Chitral. He asked the local administrations and people to extend support to donors in order to develop the area.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT: The People Rights Network (PRN) in collaboration with the Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) has launched a campaign against corporal punishment in schools in the district.

Briefing reporters on Wednesday, Akbar Khan, a PRN representative, said that various activities were performed during the campaign in state run schools, private educational institutions and seminaries in order to raise people`s awareness about corporal punishment and its bad impacts on children`s lives.

He said corporal punishment and the use of sticks had drastic effects on childrenpsychology and mental growth that lasted for ever. He said domestic violence and corporal punishment were leading society towards militancy and terrorism.

He said media could play an important role in ending the menace through highlighting news reports regarding corporal punishment.

PUBLIC LIBRARY: Ibrash Pasha, local head of the Khewndo Kor NGO, has established a children library at the progressive resource centre, Timergara to motivate students and youth towards book reading.

Talking to reporters here Mr Pasha said due to growing internet and communication system students had given up reading books which was not a good omen for the new generation.

He said the library would be run voluntarily by him while donations for books would be accepted from everywhere. He said Rs250 had been fixed as library annual fee for adults while Rs100 only would be charged from students.