KARACHI, Jan 2: The Sindh Board of Revenue has advised all the Nazims of district governments in the province to take over the subjects devolved on them by way of transfer of record, assets, liabilities and manpower.

In a letter sent to the district Nazims, it has been stated that the government’s resolve to make the vision of “ devolution of authority at the grassroots level “ is a step further to ensure the transfer of subjects and authority on the district and city governments and this would only be possible when the district governments are extended all the possible help by the existing offices and departments.

The instructions issued to the districts Nazims stresses acquiring land records of the respective districts. The letter states that the land records are available in the districts at the defunct offices of deputy commissioners and Mukhtiarkars.

In some districts certain defalcations have been pointed out by the Board of Revenue, particularly with reference to the non-updating of land registers. The Katcha areas were put to survey by the Geological Survey of Pakistan and maps prepared by them were handed over to districts as well as the settlement and survey department in the board of revenue. yet in some odd cases, it is reported that the maps are not on the record. In such cases the district governments may contact the surveyor general’s office in the geological survey of Pakistan and complete their record, the letter suggests.

It adds that as regards the government policy and instructions of the Board of Revenue on subjects pertaining to the state land, the land utilization department, the Colonization of Government Lands Act may be referred to remove any ambiguity regarding leases, allotment and other functions.

It also suggestes to circulate the Sindh Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2001 among district officers and to work out appropriate action plan to ensure gearing up the conduct of business in relevant areas.—PPI