In Pakistan, a "Collector" primarily refers to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), who serves as a pivotal administrative and land revenue officer within a district or an administrative sub-unit of a division. This position is central to local governance, embodying the government's representation at the district level.
Understanding the Role of a Collector in Pakistan
The term "Collector" in Pakistan is not merely a historical relic but an active designation that defines a crucial function of the Deputy Commissioner. This officer wields significant authority and is instrumental in the day-to-day administration and financial management related to land.
The Deputy Commissioner: The Collector's Identity
The Deputy Commissioner, often abbreviated as DC or DCO (Deputy Commissioner Officer), is the official designated as the Collector. This role combines various responsibilities, making the DC a multi-faceted public servant.
For more detailed information on the Deputy Commissioner's office, you can refer to the Deputy Commissioner (Pakistan) on Wikipedia.
Core Responsibilities and Functions
The role of a Collector, embodied by the Deputy Commissioner, is comprehensive and includes three primary areas:
- Chief Administrative Officer: The DC is the chief administrator of the district, responsible for overall governance, maintaining law and order, and coordinating various government departments.
- Land Revenue Officer: This is the specific function where the DC acts as the "Collector." They are responsible for the assessment, collection, and management of land revenue, as well as the maintenance of land records.
- Representative of Government: The DC serves as the direct representative of the provincial government within the district, ensuring that government policies and directives are implemented effectively.
Key Functions of a Collector (Deputy Commissioner)
To provide a clearer understanding of the Collector's duties, here's a breakdown of their key functions:
- Land Revenue Administration:
- Assessing and collecting land taxes and other government dues related to land.
- Maintaining accurate land records (e.g., patwari records, khasra girdawari).
- Resolving disputes related to land ownership, boundaries, and tenancy.
- Implementing land reforms and related policies.
- General Administration and Law & Order:
- Supervising the district police for maintaining public peace and order.
- Coordinating with various governmental and non-governmental agencies.
- Overseeing municipal administration and local development projects.
- Managing emergencies, disaster relief, and public welfare initiatives.
- Judicial and Magisterial Powers:
- Exercising powers under various local laws.
- Hearing appeals against decisions of subordinate revenue officers.
- Issuing licenses and permits (e.g., arms licenses, building permits).
Overview of the Collector's Role
The following table summarizes the key aspects of the Collector's position in Pakistan:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Designation | Deputy Commissioner (DC / DCO) |
| Core Function | Land Revenue Officer (Collector) |
| Administrative Role | Chief administrative authority within a district or sub-unit of a division. |
| Government Link | Direct representative of the government, responsible for policy implementation and overall governance at the local level. |
| Key Responsibilities | Land revenue collection, record-keeping, dispute resolution, law & order, general administration, emergency management. |
In essence, the Collector in Pakistan is a highly influential public servant, combining executive, revenue, and quasi-judicial powers to ensure effective governance and administration at the district level.
