Pak Cabinet okays amended devolution plan

quot;A basic attitudinal change is required. The changes and reforms under the new system will help transform conventional and restrictive practices and procedures,quot; he said on Saturday. The plan, prepared by the military government8217;s National Reconstruction Bureau, was approved with amendments although reports on Sunday gave no clue as to what changes were made. Officials were unavailable for comment.

The original proposal gave unprecedented power to women, who were to get 33 per cent representation in the new district assemblies and 50 per cent in the Union, or village councils. People who have traditionally lived under the patronage 8212; and manipulation 8212; of wealthy landholders are expected to contest village and district elections in five phases starting from December and ending in July 2001. But the plan has been criticised by some conservative religious groups, who argue that women will not want to participate if their husbands disapprove. A report on the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan made no mention of the clauses relating to women, focusing instead on the issue of police, who will be made answerable to the district governments. quot;The administration and policing system is being reformed to make the police and district administration responsive to public needs and requirements and making them efficient, effective and public service oriented,quot; it said.

The principal features of the plan will be announced on August 14, reports said. Musharraf seized power in a coup in October and vowed to bring genuine, grassroots democracy to a country wracked by endemic political turmoil. He has said devolution would establish the foundations of quot;authentic and enduring democracy.quot;