The Punjab government has determined the powers of local bodies, neighbourhoods and village councils in the new local government system, 24News HD TV Channel reported on Sunday.

Under the Local Bodies Act 2021 (LGA 2021), the powers of 290 local bodies including Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, 1,883 Neighborhood Councils and 3,364 Village Councils have been determined.

The local bodies have been powered to collect the toll tax, establishment and management of vegetable and fruit markets, lease the property, construction of parks, monuments and monuments for the beautification of the city.

The powers to regulate flyovers, expressways, bridges, underpasses, signboards have also been assigned to the local bodies. Authorization to design, beautification of urban areas and development planning of new urban has also been given to the local bodies.

The authority to approve regulated site development and housing schemes has been assigned to the local bodies as well as they will have the power to name highways, squares and public places after anyone.

Water Supply, Municipal Infrastructure Services, District Sports, Cultural, Traditional Events and Affairs will be organized by the local bodies along with the responsibility of population control, family planning, primary and secondary healthcare, school education, literacy, and non-formal basic education.

Restoration of cultural and historical sites, promotion of municipal libraries, school sports and local sports will be the responsibility of local bodies. Environmental protection, tree planting, streets, markets, the establishment of vegetable and fruit markets and livestock markets will also be the responsibility of the local bodies.

It would be responsible for the rehabilitation and protection of eunuchs and the helpless people in the area as well as collection of taxes, fees, rates, rents, toll charges, fines and penalties have been handed over to the local bodies.

Under the LGA 2021, all the 1,883 Neighborhood Councils (NCs) and more than 3,364 Village Councils (VCs) have been powered to issue birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. The NCs and VCs have been assigned the responsibility of organizing fair stalls and creative activities at the local level.

Responsibility for promoting sports at the local level has been assigned to NCs. They would also be committed to supporting government awareness campaigns to prevent various diseases in the council areas.

The NCs and VCs would monitor development schemes and control the issues of the cemeteries at the local level.