People\'s Budget : An Illustrative Exercise Using Participatory Tools

Contents: Preface. 1. Overview. 2. Review of existing budget preparation process and analysis of current budget. 3. Review of tax system in Bangladesh. 4. Monetary policy in poverty reduction. 5. Government expenditure and poverty reduction. 6. Health services in Bangladesh. 7. The notion of people’s budget: an analysis based on household survey. 8. Participatory budgeting for participatory development: a focus on some development imperatives for Bangladesh. 9. Conclusion and recommendations. Annexe. References.

"This book, third in the series, is on the budgetary process in Bangladesh and is written from the perspective of the poor. Based on a participatory research of IDPAA, PROSHIKA and conducted by Shamunnay, the book proposes an alternative framework of a pro-poor, gender-just and environment-sensitive national budget for Bangladesh. The study finds that despite some changes, the current budget-making process is complex, inefficient and non-transparent. It argues for a set of institutions that would be necessary for creating a favourable policy environment for poverty reduction. Using participatory techniques, the book illustrates how the sectoral priorities and allocations can be reoriented within a changed paradigm of participatory development. A strong case for innovation and renovation of institutions has been made here for poverty eradication. The book addresses the issue of poverty from a perspective which can be particularly relevant given the renewed interest in finding ways and means for its eradication." (jacket)