DEVOLUTION OF POWER AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION THE MISSING LINK

Abstract

This article reviews Devolution of Power as an exercise in shifting power from one group of representatives to another group of representatives. Devolution of Power cannot achieve empowerment of ordinary people because it does not have any mechanism to subordinate the power of representatives to the power of electorate. Citizens have power to vote and elect but they have no power to check corrupt officials, sack corrupt politicians and challenge unjust decisions of people in public offices. What people need is more than the power to vote and elect. People do not need power, which can only be exercised once in five years against the abuse and injustice meted out to them on day-to-day basis. They do not need power, which cannot bring the skeletons in the closets of public officials for public scrutiny. What mechanism can ensure the exercise of power by people over their so-called representatives - army, NGOs, politicians, bureaucrats, mullahs etc.- on daily basis. There is only one mechanism, organization of the people for their own development. Based on Pakistan’s experience in past two decades the article has tried to establish that community organization provides continuity of people’s power in time and space over discretionary power of elite.