The Punjab cabinet on Wednesday gave approval to the proposed bill of local governments and in case of its approval from Provincial Assembly, local bodies election would be held within 180 days, and during this period non-political administrators would operate.
It also decided that local bodies elections would be conducted by Punjab Election Authority. It also gave approval to various proposals regarding amendment in the Punjab Local Government Act for making the new local government system vibrant, active and transparent.
The Punjab cabinet met here on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, said an official. It was decided in the meeting that an effective plan would be evolved for ensuring transparent utilisation of development funds of local bodies. A cabinet committee would be formed for formulating comprehensive recommendations in this regard.
The Chief Minister said that such local bodies system would be introduced that would be responsive to the aspirations of the masses and would ensure solution of problems of the people at the local level. He said accountability and transparency would be made part and parcel of the proposed local bodies system.
He said: "Had those who were responsible for running this system in the past been honest and sincere there would not have been such a large scale misappropriation of funds and plundering of resources to the tune of billions of rupees. The new system would also ensure that all funds are utilised for the uplift of the common man and not swallowed by contractors and commission mafia. The present government would evolve such a foolproof system of local bodies which also checks transgression of authority."
According to him, all segments of the society struggled for restoration of democracy for 10 long years and now democracy should serve as a means of betterment of the common man. Democracy is meaningless without provision of justice and basic amenities to the masses. There can not be two opinions about the fact that all institutions should operate within their respective spheres, however, it is the responsibility of political leadership that it should set a practical example of honesty, austerity and public service.
Giving details of his tour of Turkey, he said the brotherly Muslim country has made tremendous progress and it is a shining example for all developing countries, including Pakistan. "The Pakistani nation could also make rapid progress though hard work, commitment and dedication," he added.
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