The heads of local governments in Punjab took oath of their offices at their respective district headquarters on Saturday. Returning Officers concerned administered oath from Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of District Councils. According to reports reaching here, a large number of supporters of LGs heads were present. The Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of District Councils have expressed their resolve to work devotedly for resolution of problems of people at grass root level.

In Lahore, Mayor Colonel Mubashir Javed (Retired) and nine deputy mayors took oath at a ceremony here at Town Hall Lahore in which a large amount of supporters of lord mayor and deputy mayors participated.

High officials including Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore and Deputy Commissioner Lahore also attended the event. RO Mehmood Masood administered oath from the lord mayor and deputy mayors. The third tier of local governments will become functional across Punjab from Monday (January 2) after a gap of seven years. Necessary renovations of offices have already been carried out.

The provincial government has already accorded approval to grant maximum authority and financial autonomy the local governments amid hopes problems of people will be resolved at local level and with the activation of local governments, service delivery to the masses will also improve.

Sources said the local governments are being empowered and granted financial autonomy. Under Provincial Finance Commission Award 2016, a substantial increase has been made in resources of local governments and Rs 391 billion will be given to local governments whereas 274 billion rupees were given last year. As such 44 percent increase has been made in the funds of local governments compared to the last year. However, there will be a ban on utilisation of development funds under some other heads, the sources added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017