KARACHI, Oct 26: Advisor to the Sindh chief minister on local government Wasim Akhter has hinted at possibility of amendments in the Sindh Local Government Ordinance with provision for due authority and improved functioning of town and union councillors.

Addressing local councillors at a conference on “role and responsibility of council representatives for the protection of women and children” organized by the Madadgar (a joint project of LHRLA and UNICEF), the advisor said necessary modification could be made in the said document giving certain leverage to the councillors in asserting their responsibilities towards masses.

With regard to the plight of women and children, particularly those incarcerated in local jails, he stressed the need for suo-motto notice on part of the judiciary itself.

According to him, imprisoned women, in particular, and women, in general, are subject of circumstances and social injustice.

In this regard, he spoke about the plight of those women who are exposed to certain abuses.

Acknowledging the flaws in the Sindh Local Government Ordinance largely preventing councillors to assist the masses in the truest sense, Wasim Akhter also suggested close coordination between civil society, concerned government departments and the councillors.

Referring to the children, he said that it was mainly due to rampant indifference on part of the society that growing number of children are getting hooked to gutka (a lethal combination of betel-nuts and hazardous chemicals), glue sniffing and so forth.

These kids again fall victim to ignorance and lack of attention and need to be pulled back to proper living conditions with adequate provision for education, food and shelter and above all affection, he reiterated.

The advisor also stressed the need for launching skill development programmes and vocational training schemes for the deprived sections of the population.

More than 50 councillors attending the day-long conference explicitly discussed the contribution councillors could make towards the betterment of women and children. The recommendations submitted by the councillors included demand for reactivating public safety commissions and national commission for child welfare and development, coupled with devolution of power in its truest sense.

Seeking due recognition at varied levels and on part of police and administration, the participants also sought clarification of their role in Police Ordinance-2002.

Illiteracy as a major issue among union councillors themselves was also highlighted and need for regular orientation and training sessions for councillors was stressed.

Adequate information about shelters, operating in the city, other than Darul Aman and Edhi Home, was also sought to help provide necessary support to those abandoned by their dear-ones.—APP