Proposed local bodies system: 'powers to be delegated to resolve problems at grass-roots level'

With a view to resolving problems of people at grass-roots level, maximum powers and functioning of agriculture, livestock and forestry departments will be delegated to the local bodies. Senior Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa said this while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Local Government System.
Khosa said 38,983 acres of land of the forestry department that is at present in the control of district government and have been encroached will be recovered and handed over to the department for proper utilisation. He said the departments which planted trees on roadsides, canal banks and parks will also be responsible for their maintenance so that tree plantation will be made effective and purposeful.
Under the proposed LB system, the local councils will be independent and autonomous within their sphere of powers, however, there will be a comprehensive monitoring system at provincial level to ensure transparency and merit at grass-roots level, he said, adding that it will be ensured that nobody could be able to misuse his powers. Finance Minister Tanvir Ashraf Kaira, A Z K Sherdil, secretaries of Law and Local Government, School Education, Agriculture, Senior Member Board of Revenue, senior officials of P&D and other departments were also present on the occasion.