SWABI, May 11: The district Zakat department has handed over Rs1.5 million to the heads of 10 religious institutions of the district, and disbursement of a further Rs1.5 million to more institutions was likely any time soon.

Official sources in the Zakat department told Dawn here Sunday that the fund was provided to institutions who had registered themselves with the district Zakat office, and those who failed to do so were not eligible, according to the rules and regulations.

The sources said the Zakat department had also been giving Rs75 for meals and Rs150 under the head of fee per month to each of the 2,000 students getting education at different religious institutions.

Six more religious institutions, the sources said, had approached the department for registration.

The sources said the establishment of a board was under process, and it would be established very soon in each district.

Getting affiliated with the department was the first and foremost requirement for becoming eligible to receive Zakat fund, said the sources.

Quoting the provincial Zakat minister, the sources said he had directed the district Zakat offices to disburse the fund among the deserving as soon as possible.

In 2002-03, the sources said, the total Zakat fund for the district was Rs70 million. This might be increased to Rs110 million in the upcoming fiscal year.

The heads of some institutions had refused to give undertaking for affiliation with the board for which reason they could not get money from the fund.

The district Zakat department had constituted teams to monitor the utilization of fund, in line with the the directions issued by the provincial government.

The teams, the sources said, would ensure proper use of the fund, which was aimed at imparting religious education to youngsters.

Besides, Rs9 million had also been allocated for the technical education but under this scheme only the Matric pass students would get the financial help.

The purpose of this scheme was to impart technical education to enable students to earn an honourable living. The students, once registered with the department, would get money to cover the cost of books, lodging and clothing.