Introduction to the Sukkur District Local Board
The Sukkur District Local Board has been a cornerstone of local governance in Sindh, Pakistan, since its inception during the British colonial period. Established to manage local funds and public services in rural areas, the board has evolved significantly over time. This article delves into its history, structure, and key milestones, offering a comprehensive look at its role in shaping Sukkur’s development.
Historical Background: Roots in Colonial Governance
Before 1863, Sindh had no dedicated fund for public works under the Talpur rulers, who relied on trade taxes that were later abolished by the British after their annexation of Sindh in 1843. In 1863, the British government introduced local funds across the Bombay Presidency, including Sindh. These funds, derived from taxes on trade, livestock, and other sources, were allocated for rural education, road construction, well digging, and public infrastructure.
Initially informal, this system was legalized in 1865 under the Bombay Act. Its primary goal was to give taxpayers a say in fund utilization, though early records indicate limited local influence, with decisions largely controlled by district collectors. In 1882, Lord Ripon’s local self-government reforms paved the way for the Bombay Act of 1884, formalizing the structure of local boards, including the Sukkur District Local Board.
Structure and Composition
The Sukkur District Local Board originally comprised 20 to 30 members, split between elected and appointed representatives:
Elected Members: Represented taluka local boards, municipalities, and village headmen or landowners.
Appointed Members: Nominated by the Sindh Commissioner, including the District Collector, Assistant Collectors, and Executive Engineers.
Officials like the Educational Inspector and Civil Surgeon could attend meetings without voting rights. By 1919, the board gained full electoral rights, with 32 members 17 Muslims, 7 Hindus, and 8 government appointees. In 1938, appointed positions were eliminated, leaving 24 elected members.
Key Milestones in the Board’s Journey
Early Development
1883: The Shikarpur District headquarters shifted to Sukkur due to its healthier climate, boosting the region’s prominence.
1901: Shikarpur District split into Larkana and Sukkur, with J.L. Rieu as Sukkur’s first Collector.
Infrastructure and Leadership
1933: Qaiser Khan Bozdar became president, overseeing projects like an English school and a women’s center.
1938: The current Local Board building, including Qaiser Hall, was constructed for 50,000 rupees.
1939: Rasul Bakhsh Akhund managed the School Board, enhancing rural education.
Prominent Figures
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| Sardar Qaiser Khan with Governor Sir Lancelot Graham & Wife: Historic Colonial-Era Meeting in Sindh |
Qaiser Khan Bozdar
Born in 1890, Bozdar led the board from 1933, driving infrastructure growth. A Bombay Council and Sindh Assembly member, he passed away in 1952.
Rasul Bakhsh Akhund
Born in 1897 in Rohri, Akhund served as the School Board’s Administrative Officer, contributing to education and Sindhi literature.
Challenges and Legacy
The board faced challenges like limited early autonomy and the loss of records after Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, including Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto’s resolution to rename Lloyd Barrage to Sukkur Barrage. Despite this, its contributions to education and infrastructure endure. Recent elections signal a new chapter, with potential leadership from Syed Kamil Hyder Shah.
Historical Development of Sukkur District Local Board
Pre-1863: Absence of Local Funds
The 1863 Local Fund System
- Established Local Funds Departments across Bombay Presidency districts
- Cesses, tolls, and ferry receipts
- Animal tax and local levies
- ⅓ for rural education
- ⅔ for roads, wells, and public infrastructure
Bombay Act of 1884
- Implemented Lord Ripon's local self-governance reforms
- District Local Boards practically established in 1882
- Legally codified as Bombay Local Boards Act (1884)
Structure of Sukkur District Local Board
- Membership: 20–30 members
- Composition:
- Non-voting health officers participated in meetings
Key Historical Milestones
Sukkur as District HQ (1883)
- Shifted from Shikarpur due to unhealthy climate
- Development under British officers:
- Alfred Mayo (1884-1897): Developed Sukkur port, roads, and plantations
- J.L. Reeve: First Collector after district formation (1901)
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| Alfred Mayo (1884-1897) |
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| J.L. Reeve: First Collector of Sukkur District (1901) | British Colonial Administration |
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| Commissioner Erikson: Ordered Sukkur as District HQ (1883) | Colonial Sindh |
Evolution of Local Board
- 1919: Granted elected status (17 Muslim, 7 Hindu, 8 British members)
- 1938: Abolished nominated members → Fully elected 24-member board
Historic Board Building
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| Sukkur Local Board HQ 1938: Colonial-Era District Administration Center |
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| Historic Plaques: Diwan Hirdasmal & Pir Rasul Bakhsh Wings (1938) - Sukkur Local Board |
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| Sukkur Local Board Headquarters: 1938 Colonial-Era Administrative Building |
- Constructed in 1938 (Cost: ₹50,000)
- Key sections:
- Qaisar Hall (named after President Qaiser Khan)
- Diwan Hirdasmal Wing
- Pir Rasul Bakhsh Shah Wing
Prominent Figures
Khan Bahadur Qaiser Khan (President: 1933-1938+)
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| Sardar Qaiser Khan Bozdar: Sukkur Local Board President & Khan Bahadur Title Holder |
- Built English schools and dispensaries
- Donated land for Mirpur Mathelo school
- Awarded Khan Bahadur title (1930)
Akhund Rasul Bakhsh (Education Officer)
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| Akhund Rasul Bakhsh: Sukkur Local Board's Education Reformer & Sindhi Literary Figure |
Authored 10+ Sindhi books including:- Arkan-e-Islam (Islamic pillars)
- Muslim Women’s Bravery
- Geography textbooks
Modern Era & Challenges
- Record loss:
- Destroyed in 2007 post-Benazir Bhutto riots
- Damaged by poor storage (rain/termites)
- Recent elections:
- Current President: Syed Kamil Hyder Shah
- Predecessor: Sardar Taqi Khan Daryajo
