Both the PML-N and the PPP think the local government system as it exists is deeply flawed and, hence, in need of reform. While the PPP-led government in Sindh is still in discussion with its coalition partner, MQM, over the kind of changes it would like to introduce, the PML-N headed government in Punjab has already started its own reform process.
Addressing a workshop on local government in Lahore the other day, local government affairs minister Dost Muhammad Khosa said the provincial government was not against the existing local government system, but it wanted to remove the flaws in it to make the system accountable and efficient.
It is difficult to disagree with much of what the Punjab government describes as flaws. For example, it says the provincial departments such as social conservation, forests and fisheries that used to be provincial subjects were handed over to the district governments, which caused overlapping. Consequently, little progress is in evidence in any of these areas.
It would have made better sense to devolve control of education, health care, water and sanitation - subjects that have a direct bearing on people's lives - to the district level. Then there is the issue of lack of proper accountability. As Khosa pointed out, accounts of the district governments were never audited.
A recent audit ordered by the provincial government has revealed embezzlement which amounts to a whopping 52 billion rupees! A USAID sponsored survey report (the kind of which tend not to use harsh words) seems to endorse the critics' viewpoint. It says a significant number of people are not satisfied with the services provided by local governments.
And, it adds, "reforms promulgated by the Musharraf government in 2001 have not met their stated objective whether in terms of strengthening governance or improving the delivery of essential services." Indeed, the present system has failed to deliver. It needs reform that must include accountability and transparency.
Since the local body ordinances issued by the four provincial governors under the Musharraf regime are now part of the Constitution, the Punjab government has been trying to find a way around that law. It has invoked the land Revenue Act (to be amended accordingly) to announce the revival of the commissioner's position, abolished along with that of deputy commissioner when the system was first introduced in 2001.
The commissioners are to head divisions and supervise the performance of DCOs, and through them co-ordinate and control the working of district governments. But that may lead to misuse of power by the provincial authorities instead of empowering the people at the grass roots level. It is important, therefore, that the issue is discussed and debated in Parliament, and necessary amendments are made in all four provincial local bodies ordinances.
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