The International Budget Partnership (IBP) has recently unveiled its Open Budget Survey (OBS) 2019. This biennial survey measures each country based on the accessibility of key budget documents from the Central or Federal Government. With a scale of 0-100, it rates a nation’s level of budget transparency using several internationally comparable indicators.
Introduction: The Open Budget Survey
The OBS is a segment of IBP’s Open Budget Initiative, which emphasizes promoting public access to budget data and supporting the development of accountable budget systems worldwide. This global research and advocacy program covers 117 countries in its survey cycle.
Key Findings: A Look at the Global Scenario
The OBS 2019 reveals a moderate enhancement in budget transparency around the world, aligning with trends noted in previous versions of the survey. Despite certain progress, the global average transparency score remains at 45 out of 100, indicating that the dissemination of publicly accessible budget information still has room for improvement.
New Zealand leads the ranking with a score of 87, closely followed by South Africa (87), Mexico (82), and Brazil (81), all providing comprehensive data for public evaluation. However, citizens’ participation in the budgeting process paints a less than ideal picture, averaging a score of 14 out of 100 globally.
Only 30 out of the surveyed 117 countries received adequate scores for both their audit procedures and legislative oversights.
The Indian Perspective: Strengths and Improvement Areas
India holds the 53rd spot among 117 nations regarding budget transparency and accountability, scoring 49 out of 100 – slightly above the global mean. However, compared to other large developing countries, barring China, India’s transparency score falls short.
While India has demonstrated strength in publishing relevant and timely audit reports, public participation in budgetary processes was identified as a necessary area for improvement. Notably, the absence of a published pre-budget statement and the omission of a mid-year review in 2018-19 have negatively impacted India’s transparency score.
The Way Forward: Enhancing Open Budgeting Practices
To realize the full potential of open budgeting, it is essential for governments and citizens to make sustained efforts to transform good intentions into best practices. A collective, ongoing effort at a global level can help accelerate progress and deliver on the promises of open budgeting to all citizens.
About the International Budget Partnership
The IBP is a joint venture involving various actors such as civil society, state actors, international institutions, and the private sector. Established in 1997, this collaboration aims to promote transparent and inclusive government budget processes as a tool to improve governance and service delivery in developing countries.
IBP’s ultimate goal is to ensure that public resources are used more effectively to combat poverty and foster equitable and sustainable development worldwide.