I HAPPENED to go through the details as regards the functions and powers of the zila nazim provided on the local government website, government of Sindh, and refer to Section 20, SLGO 2001, which is described as follows

“Section 20, SLGO 2001, personal responsibility of zila nazim (1) The zila nazim shall be personally responsible for any loss, financial or otherwise, flowing from the decisions made by him personally or under his directions in violation of any provisions of this Ordinance or any other law for the time being in force and for any expenditure incurred without lawful authority.”

I wouild like to comment on this section of powers as follows

— The section is not clearly defined. From the details of personal responsibility of the zila nazim in exercising financial powers of personal nature, it sounds that in case there is no loss, financial or otherwise, flowing from the personal decision, the zila nazim can make personal decision under his directions,

— Secondly, in case the zila nazim can make a personal decision causing no loss, financial or otherwise, then the section must clearly define such types of powers to be exercised in the areas of finance and administration.

— For instance, if I were zila nazim, I would think over exercising my power over use of land or development of land. But I will have to refer to the limit of amount, to be brought under exercise of personal financial powers in this area of function.

— Then the question arises, what should be the frequency of exercise of such personal financial powers during a certain period of time, and in what areas of functions could such personal financial powers be exercised?

For instance, the following are the areas of functions, based on public inquiry or otherwise

— Public health, physical planning, repair of roads, sewerage and drainage, education matters, transfers and postings of schoolteachers.

It is hoped that the government quarters concerned will look into the matter concerning formulation of laws that govern the responsibilities, accountabilities and financial and administrative powers of the zila nazim

MUNSIF RASOOL
Hyderabad