Topic: Government Budgeting
5. Explain the concept of Participatory Budgeting; also discuss its relevance in budgeting of Local self-government in India. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Based on the theme of participatory budgeting and its relevance for local self-governments in the country.
Key Demand of the question:
One must explain the concept of participatory budgeting and its relevance to local self governments.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define what Participatory budgeting is.
Body:
Participatory budgeting (PB) is a process of democratic deliberation and decision-making, in which ordinary people decide how to allocate part of a municipal or public budget. Participatory budgeting allows citizens to identify, discuss, and prioritize public spending projects, and gives them the power to make real decisions about how money is spent.
Explain the advantages of such a system – PB processes are typically designed to involve those left out of traditional methods of public engagement, such as low-income residents, non-citizens, and youth.
Participatory budgeting refers to the active involvement of people in the processes of budget priority setting and management. According to this approach, citizens and civil society along with the relevant organs of the Government and legislature, deliberate and negotiate over the distribution of public resources. In contrast to the techno-bureaucratic administration which is limited in its ability to achieve equitable development, participatory budgeting has the potential to maximize equity in policy choices and effect better policy outcomes.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
