Voice of dissent: City councillors cry foul over powers given to bureaucrats

Govt given 20-day ultimatum to withdraw rules of business

PESHAWAR: City district and town councillors took to the streets in the city on Friday over the granting of powers to bureaucrats under Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa District Government Rules of Business 2015.

A large number of councillors from the provincial capital gathered near Bakshi Pull to raise their objections. They held banners and placards to urge authorities to withdraw the rules of business and empower local government representatives.

The demonstration was led by Local Council Association General Secretary Israrullah. Speaking to protesters, Israrullah said rules of business were developed in violation of the Constitution. “This will not be accepted at any cost,” he said.



The general secretary pressed the government to withdraw the rules of business within 20 days. “If these demands are not met, we will protest outside the K-P Assembly,” he added.

Reverse logic

“The rules of business violate Article 240A,” he said. “Under the provision, financial and administrative authority will rest with LG representatives. However, the rules of business apply reverse logic.”

According to Israrullah, the deputy commissioners have been given maximum power to spend development funds as per old-fashioned guidelines.  “In addition, DCs have also been made head of district development committees,” he said. “However, district nazims are not expected to become members of this committee.”

Israrullah added, “Assistant commissioners are required to head town development committees. Town nazims will not be members of these committees. This is completely unfair and defies constitutional norms.” Israrullah added ACs are also required to head neighbourhood committees under the rules of business.

“In the past, district nazims would be responsible for transfers and postings in the district,” he said. “However, under the rules of business, the responsibility now rests with the DC.”

Development funds

According to Israrullah, 25% of development funds would be allocated on a discretionary basis to the district council.

“The DC will have the authority to spend the remaining 75% funds,” he said. “The rules also authorise DCs to prepare annual confidential reports – a task which should be performed by district nazims.” A large number of protesters said the government was not interested in strengthening the LG system.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th,  2015.