Punjab Cabinet approves LG Amend Bill 2010

LAHORE Punjab cabinet which met with Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the chair here Wednesday, approved various proposals regarding amendment to the Punjab Local Government Act 2010 for making the new system vibrant, active and transparent.
The Cabinet meeting held at Chief Ministers Secretariat decided that an effective system would be evolved for ensuring transparent utilization of development funds at local bodies under the proposed Act. A cabinet committee would be formed to formulate comprehensive recommendations in this regard. The cabinet also approved the proposed bill of Local Governments, and after its approval from Provincial Assembly, local bodies elections in the province would be held within 180 days. During this period, non-political administrators will operate. The cabinet also decided that local bodies elections would be conducted through the Punjab Election Authority (unlike the last LB elections which were held by the Election Commission).
Addressing the meeting, CM Shahbaz Sharif said that a local bodies system reflecting aspirations of the masses and ensuring solution to the masses problems at the local level would be introduced in the province. He said accountability and transparency would be made a part and parcel of the proposed local bodies system. He said had those 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 worth billions of rupees. He said that the new system would also ensure that funds earmarked for the betterment and welfare of the common man were not swallowed by contractors and commission mafia. He said the present government would evolve a foolproof system of local bodies with a view to checking transgression of authority.
The Chief Minister further stated that as all segments of the society had struggled for restoration of democracy for ten long years, therefore, now democracy should serve as a mean to effect betterment of the common man. According to him, democracy is meaningless without provision of justice and basic amenities to the masses. There cannot 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, he asserted. Giving details of his tour to Turkey, the Chief Minister said that the brotherly Muslim country has made tremendous progress and it is a shining example for all developing countries including Pakistan. He said Pakistani nation can also make rapid progress through hard work, commitment and dedication.