The role of civil society and legislators is missing in the budget process, which should essentially be introduced at the time of budget formulation.
The inputs and recommendations of the civil society organisations (CSOs) should be incorporated in the budget, and these inputs from the legislators should not be confined to the expenditure side in the shape of cut-motions, but their inputs in revenue side should also be taken into account.
These observations were made by the speakers of seminar on 'Role of Civil Society in Budget Process - Sindh Perspective', organised by the Pakistan Legislative Strengthening Consortium (PLSC) on Saturday.
It was also recommended by representatives of CSOs as well as the legislators that more time should be allotted for in-house debate, and pre-budget consultations.
Moreover, the speakers also proposed pre- and post-budget monitoring. It was agreed such debate/discussion, in which the key stakeholders viz. both the civil society and legislators interact, should continue as part of an ongoing process.
The organisers reiterated their pledge to carry on similar activities in future.
The main speakers of the seminars included Provincial IT Minister Mustafa Kamal, Social Welfare Minister Dr Saeeda Malik, MPA Shazia Marri, Shakir Ali, Murad Ali, Anwar Ahmed Khan Mahar, Nuzhat Pathan and Kulsoom Nizamani.