In a significant move to empower local government institutions, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led Sindh government has decided to amend the Local Government Act, 2013. The amendment aims to raise the salaries and privileges of local government representatives, including Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Union Council (UC) chairmen, and vice chairmen.
According to sources, the proposed amendment bill seeks to double the salaries of Mayors and Deputy Mayors. The bill is scheduled to be presented in the Sindh Cabinet meeting tomorrow, with Sindh LG Secretary Najam Shah leading the presentation.
This decision follows key amendments made to the Local Government Act earlier in July, which aim to further empower mayors and UC chairmen. The amendments grant these officials the authority to head development authorities in their respective divisions and districts throughout the province.
As a result of the LG Act amendments, the Karachi mayor will hold ex officio positions in the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Lyari Development Authority (LDA), and Malir Development Authority (MDA). Similarly, the Hyderabad mayor will serve as the chairman of the Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA).
Moreover, the regional solid waste management’s chief executive will be appointed from a pool of three shortlisted officers, with the consultation of the relevant mayor. Additionally, the Karachi mayor will hold ex officio status in the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB), and one of the three shortlisted officers will be appointed as the chief executive of the water board, again in consultation with the mayor.
The move expected to strengthen local governance and decentralize authority, allowing mayors and UC chairmen to play a more active role in development initiatives across the province.
The proposed amendment bill’s final approval will determined after its presentation in the Sindh Cabinet meeting, signaling a potential positive change for local government representatives and the communities they serve.