Media watch: Transfer of ministries

Media discuss the move of the government to transfer five ministries to the provinces strengthening their autonomy.

Media watch is a daily round-up of key articles featured on news websites, hand-picked by The Express Tribune web staff.

Ministries devolved

What is particularly positive about the changes is that they have come on the watch of a democratically elected parliament and assemblies. Along with the NFC award, the civilian politicians have demonstrated a maturity and seriousness of purpose they have often in the past been accused of lacking. Clearly, if given the time and space, some significant results can be achieved. (dawn.com)

Devolution blues

Any thought that the devolution of ministries to the provinces might be a money-saver for the government is wishful thinking. The salaries, perks and benefits of 3,769 people are going to have to be transferred elsewhere, whilst at the same time a set of completely new ministries, with their associated staff, infrastructure and equipment are going to have to come into being at the provincial level. (thenews.com.pk)

The transfer begins

Neither federal representative explained how the provincial governments would staff the new departments. There was probably no need to fund the devolution, as that had already been done at the last National Finance Commission Award, though the stark reality has been that the extra money made available to the provinces is going to make up for the shortages of the past. (nation.com.pk)

Empowering the provinces

It must be remembered that the question of capacity in both organisation and finances was like a Damocles sword hanging over the provinces; they themselves have enough to cope with, given straitened financial resources. The fact that the centre is stepping up to nurture this transition is commendable. (dailytimes.com.pk)

Provincial autonomy

While still of paramount importance, devolution of some of the ministries from the federation to the provinces alone does not end the task of restoring full provincial autonomy. The thorny question of the propriety rights over the natural resources of province is yet to be satisfactorily addressed. What is crucial is for the federation to take all the provinces along while deciding matters that in any way affect the federal units. (pakistantoday.com.pk)