Editorial
MPs impeding effective local governance
Ensure devolution of power to local govt. representatives
Grievances of the upazila and UP chairmen and members were demonstrated once again in the findings of a year-long study conducted by Centre for Urban Studies and Unnayan Shamannay. The study has found that interventions from local lawmakers and the UNOs are standing in the way of independent functioning of upazilas and UPs.
It is worthwhile to note that the Upazila Parishad Act, 1998 vested executive powers of the parishad in the upazila chairmen but local lawmakers and other appointed government officers still exercise considerable influence over the activities of democratically elected representatives in the upazilas. In fact, devolution of power has fundamentally been undercut by making advisory role of the MPs mandatory. The poor financial status of the Ups is reflected through their dependence on the UNOs for funding sources.
Although the Union Parishad Act 2009 provides for people's participation in preparing budgets and other development plans for the UPs, Section 73 (1) of the act authorises bureaucracy to give direction on UP activities. Two of the most pivotal tiers of local government are thus made virtually ineffective.
Local government was supposed to be the cornerstone of participatory democracy. When two essential tiers of local government have been weakened the idea of a participatory democracy remains a far cry.
We therefore urge the government to revoke those sections and provisions of the laws that hinder independent and effective functioning of the elected representatives of the local government system.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments