The legislation contained in the Local Government Bill, 2025, along with its key provisions, aims to establish a new system of local government across Punjab by delegating authority to the local level and enabling the resolution of public issues within local communities. Under the proposed framework, local government institutions will include Municipal Corporations, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Committees, Tehsil Councils and Union Councils. Each UC will be composed of 13 members, including nine general members (counsellors) elected directly by the public and four members elected from reserved seats. The reserved seats will include one woman, one farmer/union representative, one youth representative and one non-Muslim representative. A UC president and vice-president will be elected from the council. The general councilors and members elected on reserved seats will jointly elect the president and vice-president by a show of hands. The president and vice president will compete as a joint ticket. According to the proposed electoral system, the nine general councilors will be elected by direct and secret ballot. Each CU will constitute a single multi-member constituency, with each voter entitled to one vote. The nine candidates obtaining the greatest number of votes will be declared elected. Members occupying reserved seats will then be elected by the general councilors by show of hands. To run for the position of councilor, a candidate must be registered on the electoral lists and be at least 21 years old. Candidates for the position of president or vice president must be at least 25 years old, while candidates for the youth seat must be between 18 and 32 years old. The bill disqualifies persons convicted of corruption or offenses involving moral turpitude, government employees, bank loan defaulters, large electricity, gas, water or tax defaulters, persons submitting false declarations and those holding dual political office. The proposed legislation grants expanded powers and responsibilities to union councils. These include approving local budgets, levying and collecting taxes, fees, fines and other charges, and keeping records of births, deaths, marriages and divorces. CUs will also be empowered to undertake small-scale development projects, including construction and maintenance of streets, drainage systems, water supply systems and sanitation facilities. They will be responsible for the maintenance of hand pumps, wells, water tanks and other local water sources and will assist higher levels of local government in sanitation, sanitation and waste management operations. Councils will play a role in removing encroachments on public roads and communal spaces, promoting local sports, fairs and cultural events, and participating in relief activities during floods, earthquakes, epidemics and other emergencies.
LG bill promises greater decentralization
