Reports from the Punjab Assembly say the Standing Committee on Local Government has finally signed off on the Local Government Bill 2025. It’s a development that, according to many inside the assembly, could shake up how local councils are run in Punjab.
People close to the matter told reporters that once the bill gets through all the formalities, one of the first things on the table will be shifting constituency boundaries.
This work will be carried out before the upcoming local government elections, which are expected in December. The Election Commission will take the lead in this process but will work closely with Deputy Commissioners in every district to get it done.
The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Local Government has approved the Local Government Bill 2025
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The bill lays out a new system for local administration in Punjab. It proposes setting up Union Councils, Tehsil Councils, Town Councils, Municipal Committees, and Municipal Corporations. These bodies will not only be responsible for running local affairs but will also have the authority to collect certain taxes and start development projects in their areas.
In addition, the legislation calls for district-level authorities to be formed for public services like sewage systems and safe drinking water. A Finance Commission will also be created to make sure funds are shared fairly among all districts.
One earlier proposal — which would have allowed Deputy Commissioners to head district committees — has been altered. Under the revised plan, these committees will now be chaired by elected representatives, while DCs will serve alongside them as co-chairpersons.
The bill has already been reviewed in detail by the committee and will be sent to the full Punjab Assembly for approval. Once it passes there, it will go to the Governor for the final signature.
In another development, the assembly also saw a bill tabled that would make teaching the mother tongue a mandatory part of early education. Treasury member Amjad Ali Javed is the one who brought the idea forward. His bill pushes for Punjabi, Seraiki, and other local languages to be taught in primary classes and madrasas. Those backing it believe this could help pass on cultural traditions to the next generation.
It also includes a clause asking every district to name its main local language in an official gazette. The goal is for children to start learning it from their earliest school years.
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