Extensive discussion on the coming federal budget should be held in the parliament to make it more relief-oriented for common man. This was demanded by various parliamentarians and other stakeholders in a briefing session on "Budget Making Process in Pakistan" organised by the Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP), here on Tuesday. According to a study by the commission on the budget 2004-05, the National Assembly took more time in discussing the budget as compared to Senate.
Besides, participation of stakeholders from civil society be ensured in chalking out fiscal legislation, as it has direct effect on consumers.
Last budget was passed after nine days discussion in the National Assembly and simultaneously, five days debate in the Senate. In terms of net-time, the National Assembly debate lasted for only 51 hours and 17 minutes including discussion on charge expenditures and cut motions, whereas the Senate debated it for 22 hours and 31 minutes.
The nine-day period is a very short time for passing the finance bill by the National Assembly given the international practices which suggest that a national legislature requires at least about three to four months to minutely study all merits and demerits of the bill.
The commission said that the participation deficit was also there. Almost half of the MNAs did not participate in the budget debate in 2004. Out of total 342 MNAs, 143 did not participate.
The parliament should be involved for a longer period of time during the passage of the budget in the house and also in formulation of the budget.