Provinces cripple powers of local govts

KARACHI - The provincial governments have crippled the powers of the Local Governments (LGs), causing hurdles in continuing the Devolution Plan.

Six years after the launching of the Devolution Plan, the provincial governments are not fully prepared to devolve power to local governments. For example, administrative powers to hire, terminate or transfer of employees, have not been granted to the district governments while the provincial interference also appears to be a major concern with respect to the working relationship between the local elected representatives and the bureaucracy, leading to issues of co-ordination.

These issues had been raised in the latest report titled "Devolution and Human Development in Pakistan," prepared by the Social Policy and Development Centre. The report further pointed out that the institutional capacity of local governments is a major issue, the Town Municipal Administrations (TMAs) and Union Administrations (UAs) are understaffed, in particular.

The LGO makes provision for a number of institutional structures to improve accountability and people's participation in the system. These include Village/Neighbourhood Councils, various Monitoring Committees (district, tehsil, union), Complaints Cells and Musalihati Anjuman.

However, despite the lapse of six years, these institutions are either not operational or are not performing according to the mandate given by the LGO. Mechanisms envisaged for improving public safety are also not functioning as desired.