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Need for better budgeting stressed

Thiruvananthapuram: More attention needs to be given to budgets of municipalities in the State to strengthen this layer of local administration, according to experts.

Participating in a workshop held here recently, experts pointed out that many municipalities in the State did not give budget preparation the due importance. The workshop, organised by the Centre for Budget and Policy Studies and the Centre for Development Studies, focused on ‘Issues of decentralisation in Kerala and related topics.’

The experts opined that data bases in municipalities were not being properly maintained or used for decision making. A pilot study conducted in four municipalities in the capital district found that 18 functions under the 12th schedule had not been devolved fully to the municipalities.

Annual financial statements were not readily available and there was delay in auditing. The study found budget estimates unrealistic and in many cases the budget figures and annual financial statements did not tally.

The workshop also witnessed the presentation of studies like ‘The district economy of Thiruvananthapuram by M.A. Oommen, ‘The flow of funds in Karakulam grama panchayat’ by R.P. Nair and ‘Finances of municipalities’ by B. Madhusoodhanan.

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