Punjab finance minister seeks clarity ahead of PFC award

Bakht tells finance dept to get explanations on Section 189 and 190 of new Local Government Act 2019

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht asked the finance department to get explanations on Section 189 and 190 of new Local Government Act 2019 so that no lacuna is left once the provincial government awards the next Provincial Finance Commission (PFC).

The minister also instructed the local government department to provide updated records of local government assets, adding that information technology should be used in preparing the record so the government is aware of available assets and resources prior to awarding the PFC award.

The minister was chairing the maiden meeting of PFC Award. The meeting reviewed distribution of resources under the new local government act, required amendments in existing PFC award, and explaining the distribution of grants under the defined laws.

The local government representatives briefed the meeting that under 2017 interim PFC award, local government share was 37.5% from provincial resources while special development grants was 6.5%. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2019.

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