Local government
Sunday, 9 December 2007
WHEN will we see actions on the report by the Local Government Affairs Committee? The committee was formed by the caretaker government (CG) for recommending reforms of the local government (LG) bodies with a view to promoting good governance and ensuring development devolution. All concerned would like the CG to go for deep-seated institutional reforms of the LG bodies so that decentralisation of administration with its benefits reaching the people at the grassroots do take place sooner than later.
The political governments in the past pledged such reforms of the LG structure. They also had set up committees and commissions for the purpose. Reports were submitted by such committees and commissions to such governments. But no action was taken on the basis of such reports and related recommendations.
The people have different expectations about the incumbent CG. They would like to see the CG not in the shadow of past governments as far as effective reforms of the LG bodies are concerned. Hence, it is important for this government to initiate actions at the earliest for strengthening local government.
The Local Government Affairs Committee has already submitted its report to the CG, suggesting a three-tier governance system for administration decentralisation and development devolution. Specific guidelines have reportedly been recommended by the committee for the purpose of strengthening LG bodies at union, upazila and district levels. While a further scrutiny of the related proposals and recommendations concerning the proposed three-tier LG bodies will be needed for delineating properly the functional responsibilities at each level of LG body alongwith related administrative, financial and other powers, it should not take unnecessary time for sorting out the issues and reaching a decision on the same.
Footdragging or procrastination will only frustrate the ultimate goal of promoting good governance through administration decentralisation and development devolution.
Abdul Khaleque
Uttara Model Town
Dhaka
The political governments in the past pledged such reforms of the LG structure. They also had set up committees and commissions for the purpose. Reports were submitted by such committees and commissions to such governments. But no action was taken on the basis of such reports and related recommendations.
The people have different expectations about the incumbent CG. They would like to see the CG not in the shadow of past governments as far as effective reforms of the LG bodies are concerned. Hence, it is important for this government to initiate actions at the earliest for strengthening local government.
The Local Government Affairs Committee has already submitted its report to the CG, suggesting a three-tier governance system for administration decentralisation and development devolution. Specific guidelines have reportedly been recommended by the committee for the purpose of strengthening LG bodies at union, upazila and district levels. While a further scrutiny of the related proposals and recommendations concerning the proposed three-tier LG bodies will be needed for delineating properly the functional responsibilities at each level of LG body alongwith related administrative, financial and other powers, it should not take unnecessary time for sorting out the issues and reaching a decision on the same.
Footdragging or procrastination will only frustrate the ultimate goal of promoting good governance through administration decentralisation and development devolution.
Abdul Khaleque
Uttara Model Town
Dhaka