Punjab curtails powers of local bodies
Local government bodies across Punjab have had their powers limited to carrying out maintenance and repairs of the most essential nature works, with each local government body tasked to immediately send details of its bank deposits and liabilities to the Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department.
The Punjab government decided to use the resources only for the most necessary situations and to adopt the principle of saving as much as possible amid the current economic situation.
Local bodies were earlier barred from issuing major development projects and were only allowed to use funds for maintenance and repair of the existing infrastructure of the local bodies, but the government has now has ordered further spending cuts as policy.
Under the new policy, only essential maintenance and repair will be allowed to preserve existing infrastructure. In a circular issued by the Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department on Tuesday, the administrators of all local bodies were instructed to strictly follow the guidelines and use the funds only for essential maintenance and repair work.
It was further stated that until now, 68 local governments have failed to submit data regarding salaries and pensions, while 105 local governments have not provided data regarding bank balance and liabilities and were directed to provide them without delay.
Otherwise, action will be taken according to the law against the officials of the institutions who do not implement the orders.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2023.