Ensuring Citizen Participation and Oversight in Budget Making Process at District Level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)

Abstract

In Pakistan, the major socio-economic problems are related to health, education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), infrastructure, and security. All such problems can be solved by making proper planning and budgeting of projects on priority basis. However, the projects’ sustainability related to these areas depends on proper planning, prioritization, and execution of projects. The appropriate channels that can play a vital role in this regard are community-based organizations, government officials concerned, and elected representatives belonging to these areas because only they know how to prioritize the projects in their respective areas and as a follow-up how can they closely monitor the funds’ movement and tracking.. Civic participation and monitoring at grass roots level can be a milestone in reaping the maximum benefits of mega projects. No doubt, after some mega projects there will be a huge funds’ generation and revenue. So the prioritization of projects in their respective areas according to their needs can be a key factor. The departments concerned can be accountable to common people at grassroots level. The citizens’ involvement can build more confidence among the ignored majority.