Modernisation of Union Parisad: Some realities
Nazimuddin Patwary
Union Parisad is the lowest tier in local government system in Bangladesh. It has been functioning for more than hundred years for rural development of the country having been assigned with many functions through legislations since the British period. With playing a significant role in local level administration for manipulating root level development through mobilizing local resources, its now seeking for some adaptation to ready itself to the changing demands. Union Parisad Ordinance 1983 had been the main guidelines for UPs entire functions till 2009. However, the present government is introducing many changes in the structure and functions of UP through the enactment of local government act 2009 with a view to ensuring good governance while making it efficient and effective body.
This law which has been criticized by many civil societies for some articles which, according to themselves does not support the true definition of democracy as it mentions in 71(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the government consistent with public policy may provide guidance to the Council about financial management, officers and staff management, project formulation and the various types of projects, selection of beneficiaries, and Ward Council meetings, and shall follow such guidelines mandatory. As a result of this article, local governments will not be able to work independently. Elected representatives will be feared of having unsolicited administrative decision over their heads as this article allows the central bodies to interfere in the affairs of UP any time undermining the true spirit of decentralization. Moreover, as chairman and member, generally, have direct contact with rural people, so people would be benefitted if the elected representatives are educated, honest and responsible.
It will help develop democratic structures at the grass-roots level. But unexpectedly no specific provision is added determining the education qualifications for UP election candidature.
Regardless of some loopholes, this act has provisions for many changes driven by the concept of good governance. Now the question is what changes have practically occurred in the UPs since the enactment of this act. The answer is not satisfactory yet.
For instance, after observing four Union Parishads under Ramgonj Upzilla of Lakshmipur district I must say that little changes have occurred so far, far from what it is expected to be.
No citizens charter is hanged on the premises of above-mentioned UPs. I asked the chairman and secretaries about the reason, they replied, Throughout the Ramgonj upazila only three out of 12 unions hanged citizens charter with the aid of NGO, and Parisad has a plan to install it in future. Citizens charter has been introduced for Union Parisad through the section 49. A citizens charter is the expression of understanding between citizens and the provider of a public service with respect to the quantity and quality of service the former receive in exchange of their taxes. It is essentially about the rights of the public and the obligations of the public servants.
According to the Section 4, every ward at union shall establish a ward shova (meeting). But no ward shova can be reported to be established. Parishads members know nothing about the ward shova.
The ward shova is to represent the respective ward to claim their necessities to the union, help to maintain the development activities at the ward level and provide for their demands while making the annual budget of Union Parisad.
According to the section 62, Union Parisad should be provided with an assistant-accountant-cum-computer-operator. But most of the unions have no permanent secretary let alone an assistant accountant. Sections 57 stipulates that Union Parisad with the presence of concerned standing committees and local public shall present the budget by organizing an open budget meeting at the locality. But only two out of four of these UPs organize open budget meeting. The Union Information and Service Centre, standing committees, annual financial statement and access to information are some conspicuous changes that at the above mentioned UPs thankfully. Union Parisad is the doorstep government of rural people and its impact on their livelihood is constant. So, to move the nation forward, true and practical changes in the UPs is a must.
The writer is a freelancer
