The functions and powers of the Zila Nazim

[atifch]

The functions and powers of the Zila Nazim are to:- • provide vision for the district-wide development, leadership and direction for efficient functioning of the District Government;
• develop with the assistance of the District Administration strategies and timeframe for accomplishment of the relevant goals approved by the Zila Council;
• perform functions relating to law and order in the district;
• ensure implementation of the functions decentralised to the District Government;
• oversee formulation and execution of the annual development plan, delivery of services and functioning of the District Government;
• present proposal to the Zila Council for approval of budget for District Government, Zila Council and intra-district fiscal transfers;
• maintain administrative and financial discipline in the District Government;
• present tax proposals to the Zila Council;
• present report on the performance of the District Government in person to the Zila Council at least twice a year;
• preside over the meetings of the Zila Mushawarat Committee;
• take charge, organise and prepare for relief activities in disasters or natural calamities;
• authorise officers of the District Government to sign documents on its behalf;
• initiate inspections of Tehsil Municipal Administration, Town Municipal Administration and Union Administration in the district pursuant to section 135 of the Local Government Ordinance, 2001;
• establish and supervise the working of the Internal Audit Office;
• issue executive orders to the District Coordination Officer and Executive District Officers for discharge of the functions decentralised to the District Government;
• to represent District Government on public and ceremonial occasions; and
• perform any other function as may be assigned to him by the Provincial Government.
The Zila Nazim shall not employ any advisor, special assistant or a political secretary other than support staff allocated to his office from amongst the officials available in the district.
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.
The Zila Nazim may resign from office by tendering resignation in writing addressed to the Chief Executive of the Province.

[amjad hafeez]

Analysis of The Devolution plan
The devolution plan designed to provide democracy at the grass root level has not worked well.Such a devolution at local level is quite good for the countries having high literacy rate and possessing democratic norms , yet it has not provided the results set by its mentors in pakistan.
(1)It has ensued a tug of war between district and province.
(2)It has strengthened biradri politics and feudalism in pakistan.
(3)The move to empower people has actually empowered the privileged class more than the common man.
(4)It has brought corruption at the grass root level instead of democracy.There were bids for the votes to elect district and tehsil nazims.
(5)It has made the election process a dearly game.The expenditure incurred for the UC nazim was far more than the election of a provincial assembly member.So it has become a game for the millionaires.
(6)It has rendred bureaucracy toothless and given enormous powers to the political executive.
Its adverse implications and recommendations will be discussed shortly.
regards

[atifch]

thats good work ..and a nice addition.

[amjad hafeez]

Law and Order.
Excluding law and order from a DCO,s jurisdiction andplacing it at the disposal of nazim has served to cripple these deptts.It was seen during crisis in Dera Bugti and Kohlu distts. when nazims' sympathies were with the miscreants and the DCOs had to be active to control the situations.Police and other law enforcing agencies had to face problems due to the interference of nazims in their affairs in punjab and sindh too.
Magistracy powers..
In order to separate judiciary from executive the judicial powers had been taken back from DCO.It has increased burden on distt. courts.Specifically during local bodies elections the governments had to set up election tribunals.These issues were previously decided by the Assistant and deputy commissioners very effectively.
There is no proper price control mechanism available.Previouly magistrates used to check it and fine the culprits at spot or even imprison them.

[atifch]

v good kwwp it up.u must also heilight positive aspects too.
thanx.

[amjad hafeez]

As far as positive aspects are concerned the devolution plan if implemented with true spirit is an ideal system but the ruling party does not seem to adopt it willingly.
(1)One thing positive about this plan is that at least at the UC level it has brought a farmer or labourer to sit alongwith feudals.
(2)It has served to increase women participation in politics specifically in villages.
(3)It has resulted in pouring in of huge finances for social and economic uplift in rural areas from the federal government and the world bank.

[atifch]

v good sir .

[Qurratulain]

@Amjad Hafeez & Atifch

Good to see you guys posting such valuable information here on forum's board. Keep it up!


Regards,

[atifch]

thanx ...i would be looking fwd to ur cooperation as well if u have anything to add and boost our knowledge ...regarding local government ordinance.
thanx.

[Muskan Ghuman]

Salaam,

Welldone Amjad Hafeez & Atifch...informative work.
Keep sharing.

Regards.