The Punjab Local Government Act 2013: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

In 2010, with the approval of the 18^th constitutional amendment, article 140- A, revived in its original form. It allows political, administrative and fiscal empowerment to local governments (LG) through provincial level legislation. In light of the 18^th amendment, The Punjab Local Government Act (PLGA) 2013 passed by Government of Punjab to establish a local government system in the Province. Although the act is operational since 2013, yet it requires further analysis and appraisal to assess the rationality of the actions provided in this act. The qualitative research methodology adopted for this paper. A three-dimensional analysis of The PLGA -2013 conducted i.e. political, administrative and fiscal. This analysis indicates that the Punjab Local Government Act (PLGA) 2013 is an important shift in devolving the authority to strengthen the democratic system. Political parties, civil society, and international donor agencies on many counts have criticized the act itself. The PLGA 2013 does not provide autonomy to local government in its current form. The political, fiscal and administrative empowerment of the local government is a constitutional requirement. Introducing the health and education authorities controlled by the provincial government are not in line with the provision of the 18^th amendment. Establishment of Provincial finance commission also squeezes the fiscal autonomy of local government. There is a need to revise the PLGA 2013 in the light of the 18^th amendment to make sure an effective local government system in the Punjab Province. It is required from the elected representatives of the province to recalibrate their approach towards the LG.