‘Local government system can solve many basic problems’

LAHORE: The establishment of the Local Bodies institution can resolve many basic public problems and provide economic security while public confidence in government also increases with the decentralisation of the power from the centre to the Local Government system.
These views were expressed by discussants at the Jang Economic Session on ‘how to ensure economic security of the public’ on Tuesday. The panelists were Hameed Akther Chadah, Muhammad Ali Mian, Malik Ijaz, Ashraf Bhatti, and Saima Abbas while the session was hosted by Sikindar Lodhi.
Hameed Akther Chadah said the economic security of the public was the main responsibility of the government for which revival of the Local Bodies institution was crucial. He believed that the environment of lack of confidence in the government could be finished by the decartelisation of power. He urged the government to put aside its interest and take practical steps for the public welfare so that public money could be spent on them.
Muhammad Ali Mian called for an effective industrial policy to increase the employment generation and exports. He said the mechanisation of the agriculture sector with latest seeds and fertilizers and efficient water usage system could increase the agriculture productivity. He suggested agro-based industry and justice based taxation system which was crucial for the economic growth along with peace.
Malik Ijaz said the honest dedicated leadership and performance of the public institutions could resolve the public issues efficiently. He said the construction of hydel power generation dams, solar power and discouraging anti-hydel generation could resolve the energy problems. He said adulterators should be given capital punishment, equal education system should be implemented and accountability made effective. He said the skilled labour should be produced along with industrialisation for employment generation and increase in exports.
Ashraf Bhatti said the public was suffering due to adulteration in every item while there was no mechanism at the government level to check the quality and standards of the items sold in the markets. He said both government and traders should perform their duties honestly to create the check and balance in the markets to provide relief to the public. He said the relaxation in the law should be ended and rule of law should be established to reform the society. He said the real representation of traders in the government committees could be helpful to highlight the real issues of the public.
Saima Abbas said the economic emergency was required to resolve the crisis from Pakistan. She said for the good governance, educated and technocrats should be appointed for promotion of the merit.