NGOs want to be in the Budget loop

"Talk to us." This is what non-governmental organisations are now pressing for in the countdown to Union Budget 2007-08.

They are not content with handing out a charter of demands or organising rallies. They want the finance ministry and the Planning Commission to consult them on the Budget.

The Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), a partner of the "Wada Na Todo" campaign network of NGOs, has released a people's budget charter and wants the finance ministry to hold formal consultation with it and other NGOs in the manner it hears views of industry chambers and trade unions.

The Planning Commission has responded positively by asking CBGA's People's Budget Initiative to make a presentation to the commission on the charter of demands for the Budget. They are also waiting for a meeting with the finance minister, says CBGA financial analyst Subrat Das.

The Budget-making process has to take into account views of all stakeholders. At present, civil society, which reflects the socio-economic concern of the common man.is left out, says Das.

Meanwhile, the CBGA has created its people's budget (see table)on the basis of consultations held with 250 participants from 16 states in November and December.

For more, visit www.ncasindia.org  

NGOs' BUDGET 2007-2008

RESOURCE MOBILISATION

Gross tax revenue should be raised

Base for wealth tax and inheritance tax should be widened. It was Rs 162 crore in 1998, Rs 265 crore in 2005-06

Restore capital gains tax. Increase rate of securities transactions tax

Plug leakages in Customs duty and corporate taxes

AGRICULTURE

Provide infrastructure for agriculture like cold chains, transport

Village panchayat level agro service centres

Time-bound programme for irrigation in all arable land

Farmers insurance, crop insurance, institutional credits

EDUCATION

Scrap Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management Act or keep education out of it. Raise allocation to 6 per cent

Time-bound education infrastructure plan

Separate plan for targets in enrolment, universalisation

No additional funds for elementary education at cost of higher education

HEALTH

Raise allocation to 3 per cent or Rs150,000 crore

Increase family welfare budget from 4 to 10 per cent

Increase health funds for weak states

INFRASTRUCTURE

Raise targets and allocations for irrigation

DALITS and ADIVASIS

Rs 32,000 crore for SC sub plan and Rs 14,000 crore for tribal sub plan out of total budget of Rs 200,000 crore

CHILDREN

1 per cent of total budget allocation for child protection

Universalise anganwadis

Ensure proper functioning with carrot-and-stick policy