Process Of Budgeting in Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION:

The Budget of a country reflects its social, economic, fiscal and financial responsibilities. It also reflects the govt policies which it has for future of the country.

THE BUDGETING PROCESS: Constitution: In Pakistan legal system, various provisions relating to budget appear in the constitution. The budget when proposed is a bill before the parliament & once accepted is an act of parliament. The procedure for general bills establishes that a bill can originate in either in national assembly or in senate.

CONTINUE.. Once passed by the house in which it originates, it is transmitted to another house & if passed without amendment, is passed to the president for approval. The president must give his approval within 30 days. Once it receives presidential approval, it becomes a law.

ROLE OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: Before its presentation to N.A., the budget is discussed by cabinet & approved. The rules then provide that the budget shall be presented to N.A. by the finance minister on a date determined by the head of the house. No other matter is discussed on the Budget day.

CONTINUE. There then follow a period of at least two days before any discussion of the budget. At least four days must then be allocated for budget discussion.

BUDGET DEBATE IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: The annual budget system is generally presented at the N.A. during the 2nd week of June and is passed by the beginning of last week of June. This process generally leaves 12 to 17 working days for the various stages in budget debate.

ROLE OF SENATE IN BUDGET PROCESS: Since 2003, it has been a requirement that the budget statement is copied to the senate at the same time as its presentation to the N.A. The senate may discuss the budget proposal & make recommendation to the N.A.

ROLE OF PARLIMENTARY PARTIES: The parliamentary parties dont make organized advance preparation for budget debate. Some parties do hold meetings during two days break b/w presentation and debate & are briefed by financial experts.

ROLE OF STANDING COMMITTEES: There are currently 41 N.A. standing committees, each corresponding to a federal ministry or division. However, the current structure and practice excludes standing committees from any role in budget process.

PRE-BUDGET CONSULTATION WITH CIVIL SOCIETY: No pre or post budget consultation process is held. However, this is essential before to budget announcement, the total available funds, rather than any alternative to govt spending policies.

THE END.