IMPORTANCE OF DEVOLUTION: A CASE STUDY OF PUNJAB LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2019

Abstract

Local governments are one of the key components of government structure and provide an organized system for administration at the grass-root level. Stable local governments are the need of hour and should be vocalized in the policy arena. Literature on local government institutions in Pakistan mostly focused on their performance shortcomings for effective service delivery. Fewer efforts have been made to assess the legislation that provides the power and functioning framework to the local government institutions. This study tries to find out whether the Punjab Local Government Act, 2019 has the potential to devolve the authority in the true sense or otherwise. It highlights the importance to take the first step right apropos of devolution of powers at the grass-root level. Conclusions have been drawn by studying legislation, interviewing experts and local representatives about their expectations and assessment of the Punjab Local Government Act, 2019. It may be deduced on the basis of this research that Punjab Local Government Act, 2019 is decentralized in terms of administrative structure but remains highly centralized in terms of administrative autonomy. Specific allocation of funds is a step forward, but its implementation is necessary for growth and development at the local level. However, the operational mechanism is very complicated that is likely to cause friction among different departments and tiers of the government. There is a need to reconsider the local governments’ legislation for making it nearer to the aspirations of general public. Autonomous local government institutions can induce inclusiveness and cooperation, especially in diversified Pakistan.

Keywords: Local Government, Devolution, Punjab, Pakistan.