'New local govt system to empower village councils'

Minister says funds will be provided to local bodies’ representatives directly

LAHORE: Senior Punjab Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has disclosed that there were more changes in the new local bodies system as there would be 25,000 village councils and each village would be having its independent setup and the direct funding.

While talking to the media persons outside the Punjab Assembly, Aleem said the new local government system would empower the representatives with financial and the administrative powers. “No one, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should be worried about it as the new system will be in the larger interest of the system.” He said the beauty of the system would be that all villages would be flourishing with development at the same time.

“Now no member of the national or provincial assembly but only the local bodies’ representative will be allocated the development funds. It will prove to be a revolutionary step taken by the government following the pattern of the developed countries,” he remarked. “Unfortunately the last government did nothing and bankrupted the federal and the Punjab governments by wasting national exchequer for their personal motives and benefits.”

Aleem said the government funds were used for the construction of walls of the personal houses and huge corruption and kickbacks have resulted in the current state of affairs in which the masses have to bear the financial burden.

“The government is working in the right direction and soon the relief will be provided to the masses,” he remarked. Responding to a question, Aleem said in the last 80 days of the government no case was made against any political party or opponent. “All these cases were either initiated by PML-N or the PPP against each other and responsibility of these matters cannot be put on the PTI government,” he explained.

Aleem said he left the ministry in 2007 and after the lapse of eight years allegations were being levelled against him just to gain political mileage.

He said that Chaudhry Shujaat Husain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi were PTI’s collation partners and their alliance with the party would be a long-lasting one with mutual understanding. “Issue raised by any member of the assembly must be adhered to and the main agenda of the progress and prosperity will flourish with collective efforts.”

Responding to a question, the senior minister said there would be a good news soon for the people of South Punjab. A secretariat would be established where masses could get their issues resolved and they would not have to bother to travel long distances. He said the PTI government has set a new example of good governance in the recent by-elections as no complaint has been received from any constituency about administrative or political pressure. “The situation will be changed for the better and journey of the progress and prosperity will continue with new positive political traditions in the country,” concluded.