Governor Punjab signs local govt bill into law

Scraps the previous system introduced by the PML-N government

LAHORE: Following the signature of Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar signature on the Punjab Local Government Bill 2019 on Saturday, the previous system introduced by the previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government has been scrapped across Punjab.

Sarwar said the new local government system will protect every penny of the nation and LG representatives accountable. He added accountability and better service delivery at the doorsteps of the people was an integral part of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) manifesto.

Unlike previous governments which gave so-called powers to local bodies, PTI has actually followed the aspirations of the people by devolving authority to the grassroots level.

He said it was for the first time in the history of Punjab that an empowered system of local government was being introduced and Rs40 billion would be spent to sort out the basic issues of people. He said public representatives will decide and use this money as per their needs. “This new system will not only strengthen people, but also democracy in the country.

Following a go-ahead from the Punjab governor, the provincial government started preparing lists for prospective administrators who will take charge of local government administrators.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2019.