LAHORE, Nov 5: The Punjab has so far received Rs510 million out of Rs1 billion committed by the federal government for the implementation of the devolution programme this year, Governor Khalid Maqbool was told on Monday.

Out of the sum so far transferred to the province, the government has already disbursed Rs340 million among the 34 districts — Rs10 million each — for the establishment of offices, repair of buildings and purchase of furniture etc. The union councils have received Rs27,500 each for similar expenditure. Rs90 million have been spent on the training of councillors.

The governor was presiding over a meeting to discuss solution of the legal, financial and administrative problems in the way of implementation of the new local government setup.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Hamid Saeed Akhtar, Tariq Hamid and Khalid Ranjha, chief secretary Imtiaz Masroor and Planning and Development Board chairman Malik Akram.

Speaking at the meeting, the governor said the success of the new local government system would be ensured at all costs. He said the government was committed to the devolution programme and the question of a return to the previous system did not arise.

He directed the authorities concerned to train the Nazims and Naib Nazims in accounting and preparation of budget.

Governor Maqbool also directed the local government minister to list the hurdles in the way of effective and efficient local governments, and propose measures to remove them.

He also asked for immediate steps towards setting up the office of district ombudsman provided for in the local government ordinance.