Government Initiatives to Improve Transparency and Accountability in the Budgetary Process

The Indian government has implemented several key initiatives to enhance transparency and accountability in the budgetary process. Notable among these are the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, the publication of Union Budget documents, and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Analyzing these initiatives provides insight into their role in improving the credibility and effectiveness of public financial management.

1. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act

• Objective and Scope: The FRBM Act, enacted in 2003, aims to ensure fiscal discipline by setting targets for reducing fiscal deficits and public debt. The Act mandates the government to present a Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement, including targets for fiscal deficit and public debt.
• Recent Developments: The FRBM Act was revised in 2021 to include a more flexible framework accommodating economic disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised framework introduced an Escape Clause, allowing the government to exceed deficit targets during extraordinary circumstances.
• Impact on Transparency and Accountability: The FRBM Act has enhanced fiscal discipline and transparency by requiring the government to set clear targets for deficits and debt. It promotes accountability by mandating regular reporting and updates on fiscal performance.
• Recent Example: In 2024, the government adhered to the revised FRBM targets by presenting a detailed Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement outlining plans for fiscal consolidation and economic recovery post-pandemic, reinforcing its commitment to fiscal responsibility.

2. Publication of Union Budget Documents

• Objective and Scope: The publication of Union Budget documents aims to provide detailed information about government spending, revenue, and fiscal policies. This includes the Annual Financial Statement, Budget at a Glance, and the Demands for Grants.
• Recent Developments: In recent years, the government has increased the accessibility and comprehensiveness of budget documents. The Union Budget 2024 included detailed breakdowns of allocations, expenditures, and performance reviews, improving public access to information.
• Impact on Transparency: By publishing detailed budget documents, the government enhances transparency by allowing stakeholders, including the public and financial analysts, to scrutinize budget allocations and expenditures. This openness helps in building trust and ensuring that fiscal policies are subject to public scrutiny.
• Recent Example: The introduction of an Online Budget Portal in 2023 allowed real-time access to budget documents and expenditure reports, further increasing transparency and enabling more informed public discussions and analyses.

3. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) System

• Objective and Scope: Launched in 2013, the DBT system aims to streamline the delivery of government subsidies and benefits directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This reduces leakage and improves the efficiency of subsidy programs.
• Recent Developments: The DBT system has expanded to cover a wide range of schemes, including those related to food, education, and health. The introduction of the Aadhaar-linked DBT has further enhanced the targeting and efficiency of these transfers.
• Impact on Accountability: DBT has increased the accountability of government spending by ensuring that subsidies reach the intended recipients directly. It has also reduced administrative costs and eliminated middlemen, thereby minimizing corruption and improving the effectiveness of welfare programs.
• Recent Example: In 2024, the government integrated DBT with the National Single Window System (NSWS), which streamlined the process for accessing multiple benefits and services, improving coordination and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

4. Overall Contribution to Public Financial Management

• Enhanced Credibility: Initiatives like the FRBM Act and the publication of detailed budget documents contribute to the credibility of public financial management by establishing clear fiscal targets and providing comprehensive information on government finances.
• Improved Effectiveness: The DBT system has significantly improved the effectiveness of public spending by ensuring that funds are used as intended and reach the actual beneficiaries. This has led to more efficient use of resources and better outcomes in social welfare programs.
• Challenges and Areas for Improvement: Despite these advancements, challenges remain, such as ensuring complete and accurate data reporting, addressing issues of digital infrastructure, and further improving the efficiency of DBT implementation. Ongoing reforms and technological advancements are essential for addressing these challenges and enhancing public financial management.

Conclusion

Government initiatives such as the FRBM Act, the publication of Union Budget documents, and the implementation of the DBT system have substantially improved transparency and accountability in the budgetary process. These efforts contribute to the credibility and effectiveness of public financial management by ensuring fiscal discipline, providing accessible information, and enhancing the efficiency of subsidy distribution. Continued focus on refining these initiatives and addressing implementation challenges will be crucial for sustaining and further improving public financial management.