Amended LG system should continue: HRCP

[Naveed Yaseen]

LAHORE: The present local government (LG) system should continue with necessary amendments and should not be abolished or made a mere administrative appendage of the provincial government, participants at a meeting said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The meeting, organised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), decided that some changes in the present order should be considered to increase transparency, accountability and service delivery. However, they added, the LG system must be retained because it empowers the common man at the grassroots level.

They said any reform that reduced the financial and administrative authority of the LG institutions would effect service delivery and went against the principle of decentralisation of power. “Deficiencies in any one area must not be cited as a justification for wrapping up a system crucial for the devolution of democratic governance to the lowest tier,” the consultation concluded.

The meeting expressed its concern over shelving the system without soliciting public opinion. It also emphasised that representation for women, minorities, and working classes should be increased.

The participants opposed any delay in LG elections and argued for devolving more powers to the LG. staff report

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