Public Participation in Local Governments: A Case Study of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2013

Abstract

Involving the public in local government decision-making and development processes can lead to more effective and efficient service delivery by the public sector locally. A certain amount of authority needs to be transferred from the federal to local governments in order to promote participation. Nonetheless, participation cannot be guaranteed by local governments being given more responsibility on their own. The goal of this study is to identify the avenues for public participation available by the KPLGA, 2013. In order to carry out this study a thorough literature analysis is employed to investigate the idea of public engagement in local governments. In light of direct and indirect involvement, public engagement under the KPLGA, 2013 is examined for this study. One significant way for the public to participate directly is through public hearings and meetings; nevertheless, KPLGA, 2013 does not set any requirements for it. Even so, voting is one way to direct participate under this Act. Citizens elect their representatives to run local governments on their behalf because they are unable to participate in all routine concerns of local government. According to the KPLGA of 2013, elected local councils are tasked with enacting laws on certain topics, having the authority to levy taxes, approving the respective local governments' budgets, and monitoring local administration. However, a number of restrictions placed on this abilities and authority render it all but useless. The corresponding law needs to be amended in order to allow for public participation in municipal administration.