A Comparative Study of the Constitutional Base of the Local Governments in India and Pakistan

Abstract

The central government of each state of the present age has to perform extensive
functions. Now decentralization is the most common trend and states devolve powers
to Local Governments (LGs). However, Pakistan’s past history shows that the
institution of LG was not strengthened and empowered. The 18th amendment Act 2010
addressed LG and Clause A was inserted in article 140. In India, article 243 of the
Indian Constitution was revised under the 73rd and the 74th constitutional amendments.
This study endeavors to investigate the constitutional base of local governments in
India and Pakistan. Content analysis of the constitutions of both the countries has been
conducted as a qualitative study within constructivist paradigm. The details of the 73rd
and the 74th amendments in the Indian Constitution and the 18th amendment in the
1973 Constitution of Pakistan are given in this study. It is concluded that a
comprehensive plan of LG is mentioned under the 73rd and 74th amendments in India.
There is need to revise the article 140 to strengthen the institution of LG in Pakistan.