The Punjab Assembly has passed an amended local government bill. The bill was approved on October 16 after a long debate. The opposition voted against it.
The new law changes how local councils will work in the province. It gives more funds directly to union councils. It also sets a timeline for local elections within 120 days.
Key changes
Under the new law, each union council will get its own development budget. The council chairman will be elected directly by the voters. The law also reserves seats for women, youth and minorities.
The local government minister said the law would bring power to the people. He said past systems had failed because funds were controlled from Lahore.
Opposition’s view
The opposition said the bill was passed in a hurry. It claimed that the government did not listen to its suggestions. The opposition leader said the law gave too much power to bureaucrats.
The minister rejected the claims. He said the bill had been discussed in the standing committee for three weeks. The law will take effect after the governor’s signature.
Comments (0)
Be respectful — comments are moderated.