Development schemes in Punjab ahead of LG polls

Orders have been issued to the administrators of all local government departments for recruitment of class-IV staff and the launch of development schemes ahead of the upcoming local body polls in Punjab including in the Rawalpindi division.

In this regard, the implementation of development schemes worth Rs2.28 billion for the Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation (RMC) has been completed in consultation with members of the national and provincial assemblies.

The majority of the elected representatives of local bodies of the province belonged to the former opposition party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

The previous government first made the local government system non-functional and then dissolved it.

Following the dissolution of the local government system, the Supreme Court of Pakistan subsequently ordered its restoration. However, despite the orders of the apex court, administrative and financial powers were not granted to the representatives of the local government until the completion of the term of local government.

Since local government representatives were not given powers, the condition of roads and street infrastructure, water supply, and sewage systems in the cities and rural areas of the province became dilapidated. Instructions have now been issued to all the departments of the local government in the province to initiate and complete development schemes on time and to recruit employees.

A plan of development schemes worth Rs650 million for the Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation (RMC) has been prepared in consultation with members of the national and provincial assemblies and the schemes are being sent to the administrators for approval. These development schemes include the construction and repair of streets, drains and installation of street lights etc.

In addition to this, it has been planned to upgrade all the main roads of Rawalpindi for Rs1.63 billion for which bids will be invited after receiving the administrative approval of the administrator.

Similarly, it has been decided to recruit deputy messengers, sentry workers, builders and loaders on Class IV in the RMC. According to the sources, special instructions have been issued for the timely commencement and completion of the development schemes.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2022.