Participatory budgeting practices and governance effectiveness

A study at rural local government institutions in Bangladesh

Authors

  • Sabina Yasmin Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54857/ijiks.v2i1.53

Keywords:

Participation budgeting, governance effectiveness, rural local level, local government institutions

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the effectiveness of public participation in budgeting practice at the local rural level in Bangladesh.

Methodology: This study uses a mixed-methods research design (social survey method and in-depth interview) as data collection instruments. Simple random sampling method has been used to collect survey data from 180 respondents from two Union Parishads (e.g., Karimgonj & Jafrabad) under Karimgonj Upazila in the Kishoregonj district. In this study, the data has been collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data has been collected using a semi-structured questionnaire under the quantitative approach and an in-depth interview under the qualitative approach. Thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative data, while the SPSS was used to study quantitative data. On the other side, the study’s secondary data and information included a variety of published sources. Findings: The major findings revealed that participatory budgeting at the rural-local level is moderately effective, as some of the study respondents were somewhat satisfied. However, most of the respondents wanted more from the budget-making process. The result shows that several factors negatively influence the participatory budgeting practices in Bangladesh. Negative factors include corruption, undue interference of local political leaders, absence of monitoring & supervision, lack of public awareness, lack of access to information, the dominant role of elected representatives, lack of proper leadership training, the influence of elite people, and lack of civic education.

Practical implications: The study recommends several policy recommendations to ensure effective and participatory budgeting practices in rural areas of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Participation budgeting, governance effectiveness, rural local level, local government institutions.

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Published

2022-12-31

How to Cite

Yasmin, S. (2022). Participatory budgeting practices and governance effectiveness: A study at rural local government institutions in Bangladesh. International Journal of Information and Knowledge Studies, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.54857/ijiks.v2i1.53

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Section

Research Papers

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