Punjab Government Proposes Overhaul of Local Government Law

The Punjab government has initiated the process of drafting a new Local Government law, aiming to bring about significant changes in the existing system. A committee, led by Provincial Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique, convened at the Civil Secretariat to discuss the proposed reforms. The committee, comprising various key members including Deputy Convener Education Minister Rana Sikandar and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Zeeshan Malik, put forward several recommendations.

One of the major proposals is the introduction of a town committee to bridge the gap between the union council and the municipal committee. Additionally, the establishment of a metropolitan corporation is suggested for areas with a population exceeding five lakhs or for each divisional headquarters. The plan includes setting up a union council for populations below fifteen thousand, a town committee for 15,000 to 50,000 residents, a municipal committee for 50,000 to 200,000 inhabitants, and a municipal corporation for 200,000 to 500,000 people.

Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique expressed dissatisfaction with the current Local Government Act of 2022, emphasizing the need for revised demarcations post the upcoming census. He stressed the importance of decentralizing powers effectively and ensuring a robust local government system to address community needs efficiently.

Rafique assured that the new law will be comprehensive and distinct from its predecessor, focusing on empowering local bodies and enhancing problem-solving mechanisms at the grassroots level. The committee also deliberated on the possibility of extending the term of local bodies to four years and exploring the conversion of local bodies into administrative units.

In conclusion, the Punjab government's efforts to revamp the Local Government law reflect a commitment to fostering a more responsive and accountable governance structure that caters to the diverse needs of the population.