The Punjab government on Tuesday has finalized the recommendations for the new local bodies system which will be presented before Prime Minister Imran Khan for his approval. In this connection, Punjab Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan chaired a meeting. He told the participants that in the new system village and neighbourhood councils would be elected and in each council there will be three elected representatives whereas three seats will be reserved for youth, ladies and minority.
"The election of mayor and deputy mayor will be direct and on party basis. For the first time in the history, the Punjab government will be transferring developmental budget to councilors. Some 30 percent funds of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) will be at the disposal of local bodies' institutions," he added.
According to him, there will be no overlapping of powers. A clear jurisdiction will be drawn for local and district governments. In Punjab, 10,000 to 20,000 people will elect their representative and councilors will have the right to recommend developmental schemes.
"The powers enjoyed by the CM in the past will now be devolved to city mayors and under the new system people's problems will be resolved at a local level," he added. He said the Punjab government has completed its homework and the proposal will be presented to the Prime Minister for final decision.