GOVERNANCE AT GRASS ROOTS LEVEL IN SINDH: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The history of governance at grass roots level in Sindh dates back to the B.C period. From Maurya Empire to Delhi Sultanate, Mughal dynasty and English period the system evolved gradually. Difference of local government system between the dynastic period and post-dynastic period is that under former state appointed persons to run the business at lower levels of shiqs, etc. whereas under latter the people began to participate in the governance at grass roots level. After the independence of Pakistan on 14^th August 1947, the institutions of local government continued to survive under the civilian and non-civilian regimes in Cantonments and non-Cantonment Board areas. The system was enforced in Sindh either by the promulgation of the Ordinance/Order or by passing Act by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh.