LG&CD dept establishes accountability board

Panel will keep close watch on projects across the province to prevent abuse of power

LAHORE:

Punjab Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) department has set up an accountability board for the first time.

Reportedly, the LG&CD department has taken the step to ensure proper use of government land and to prevent corruption in projects. In addition to this, the department has sought a report on the master plan from its subsidiaries.

The officers have been directed to submit their report on the master plan to the accountability board by March 1. A letter has been written in this regard.

The institutions concerned will be required to submit a report regarding steps from the preparation of the master plan to its final form.

Punjab LG&CD Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal said, “Proper use of the land must be considered according to future needs in the master plan. In the absence of a master plan, there is a possibility of irregularities in maps and other matters.”

The LG&CD accountability board will keep a close watch on projects across the province to prevent abuse of power, he added.

The accountability board had been set up to prevent corruption.

Read Pakistan has effectively avoided FATF’s blacklist, assures Azhar

According to the LG&CD secretary, as per the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, the resources of the people would be protected.

The accountability board will consist of seven members, while the chairperson will be LG&CD additional secretary establishment. Among the members are LG&CD deputy secretary implementation and deputy secretary establishment.

LG&CD director admin, director general inspection and monitoring, director C&I Punjab LG Board and one member will be included on the chairperson's nomination. The terms of reference of this board have also been prepared.

Attendance of two-thirds of the members in a meeting of the board is required so that they can exercise their voting rights.

An inquiry board can be sent by the chairperson for any project. In addition, SOPs can be made when required.

The board has to report directly to the LG secretary. Suggestions and follow-up will be considered to improve service delivery.

In addition, steps will be taken for research and training to make the organisation functional.

The secretary of the accountability board may also create a database centrally, inquire into reports from the chairperson and the board, and obtain written statements from the parties concerned.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2021.