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Analysts want PCs empowered, made accountable

Analysts want PCs empowered, made accountable

author avatar
31 Jan 2015 - 16:58
Analysts want PCs empowered, made accountable
author avatar
31 Jan 2015 - 16:58

KABUL (Pajhwok): Analysts on Saturday suggested a mechanism should be evolved to empower provincial council members to supervise the performance of various institutions in their respective areas.

Some days back, the lower house decided provincial councils did not reserve the right to supervise or evaluate the performance of local departments. At least 21 provincial councils (PCs) have closed their offices in protest.

Jamaluddin Badar, a political commentator, told Pajhwok Afghan News provincial councils should be given the powers to oversee local government departments, which would help discourage corruption.

“I am in favour of a mechanism for provincial council members resolving issues amicably. I have stressed the need for this mechanism time and again. When I was the governor of Nuristan the council often interfered in local affairs beyond their mandate,” Badar recalled.

Bashir Ahmad Bhezan, another political analyst, noted provincial council members should be given the mandate to help the central government in combating rampant corruption and promoting good governance.

“Provincial council members are public representatives and they should have the right to keep a check on departments,” he believed, urging President Ashraf Ghani should to resolve the issue before it became more complicated.

Senior journalist Mohammad Jafar Wahidyar agreed the role of provincial councils was of immense importance in overseeing local institutions’ performance.

However, he said: “At the same time, we have seen council members middling in local affairs in their own interests. Steps should be taken to keep them from overstepping their mandate.”

rm/mud

 

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