Devolving powers

After much negotiation, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has managed to break the impasse between the PPP and MQM-P over devolution of power in Karachi. The Sindh cabinet is now willing to listen and has formed a 19-member committee to deliberate on amendments proposed in the Sindh Local Government Act (SLGA) 2013, which will give more powers to local elected representatives — especially the next mayor of Karachi who will be made chairman of major civic bodies. In February, the Supreme Court restrained the Sindh government from undertaking projects that fall under the ambit of LGs and cited that SLGA and Article 140A were in contradiction with the Objectives Resolution and the Constitution. The situation has created ambiguity with regard to the mandate and outreach of each institution.

It is true that the Sindh government had long been stepping on toes by arrogating to itself the powers belonging to LGs. But the prevailing mismanagement has caused severe problems in the form of stunted growth, socio-economic issues, and deplorably low standard of living. Therefore, at the heart of this power struggle should be the question: what type of power structure will be most effective and efficient to accelerate development and serve the needs of citizens. On paper, LGs are considered as the cornerstone of a functioning democracy and it only makes sense to devolve meaningful authority to elected representatives, who not only better understand localised issues but can also develop meaningful solutions by engaging the locals. There is also the reality that LGs have notoriously been committing corruption under the guise of lack of power and resources.

That being said, developing the archaic and outdated local system will take time and effort but the Sindh government must go ahead with this and embrace change for the better. LGs must also keep in mind that with power come responsibility, accountability and transparency.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2022.

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