THIS is apropos of the letter ‘Restoration of commissionerate system’ (July 27). The writer has hailed the restoration of CS as well as the Local Government Ordinance (1979) by the Sindh government with the hope that the revival of the LG in Sindh would eradicate the nefarious aim of terrorists and elements destabilising Karachi's social order.
A glance over the situation in Karachi during 2001-2008 tells us that the situation in the city was magnificent and it was on the path to prosperity. But before the LG the picture of the city, which contributes 68 per cent of the total revenue to the federal government, was ridiculously deplorable.
Thus, it is unjust to say that the repeal of the LG would make the situation better as commissioners will be appointed on a partisanship basis, as history bears the vindication of the fact. Hence, political involvement is inevitable in both the systems.
The step will actually halt the economic development.
Undoubtedly, the devolution process, after the NFC and the 18th Amendment, will be incomplete unless a vibrant LG is put in place with pure demarcation of responsibilities between the provincial and the local government embedded in permanent local arrangements.
For this purpose the LG is preponderant for a number of reasons.
First, the LG forms an integral part of the democratic apparatus allowing greater participation by citizens in the management and control of their day-to-day affairs.
The trade-off and assignment of priorities among various development projects remains more realistic and pragmatic under the LG. Their intimate knowledge about local problems and solution to resolve those problems lead to better outcomes and more efficient utilisation of resources.
Second, empirical evidences show that raising taxes or charging user fees for services at the local level is relatively easier.
Only 2 per cent of the population is tendering tax and the step will beef up tax collection.
Third, the deprivation index shows that at least 80 districts of the country suffer from deprivation of basic services. Only the LG with greater participation of the inhabitants can plan and execute projects and mobilise resources needed to finance them.
A provincial government is too big a unit to be able to carry out local projects in any meaningful way.
Fourth, it is a fact that basic services in Pakistan can be obtained through money or approaching an MNA or an MPA. In this case, a local nazim living among the people will be helpful.
However, there were certain flaws in the LG system (2001). For example, nazims were elected indirectly and had powers over revenue records and disaster management. This created a lack of administrative linkage between Union Councils, tehsils and district governments. Lastly, the almost non-existent accountability of the local government is worth mentioning.
By reforming the Local Government Ordinance 2001, the system can be made efficient as far as the law and order situation is concerned. Along with it, the economic sector too will a get a boost.
MUHAMMAD KAMRAN SHAIKHKarachi