Nepal improves budget transparency with a score of 50 in Open Budget Survey

KATHMANDU, May 31: Nepal's budget transparency has seen an improvement, securing a score of 50 in the Open Budget Survey (OBS) 2023, surpassing the global average of 45 out of 100.

The survey also highlights Nepal's score of 31 in public participation, exceeding the global average of 15, while legislature oversight stands at 36, slightly below the global average. However, the Supreme Audit Institute (SAI) oversight scored 67, surpassing the global average.

Despite progress, Nepal falls short of the minimum threshold score of 61 needed to stimulate informed public debate on fiscal policies and practices. In the latest survey, Nepal ranked 59th among 125 countries, compared to 77th in 2021, indicating an overall improvement in public access to budget information.

The Freedom Forum, which has been conducting the survey in Nepal since 2009, notes enhancements in the availability of budget information, including the timely publication of key documents like the Year-End Report. However, challenges remain, such as the absence of the pre-budget statement (PBS) and Citizen Budget, despite advocacy efforts from civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media.

The OBS 2023 provides insights into Nepal's budget practices, opportunities for public engagement, and the effectiveness of checks and balances. Recommendations for reforms include enhancing budget literacy through glossaries, improving data comprehensiveness, and ensuring the involvement of stakeholders in budget consultations.

Strengthening legislative oversight by submitting the Executive’s Budget Proposal in advance, examining budget implementation, and publishing reports online are among the recommendations made by the report to further improve budget transparency.

Globally, budget transparency remains below optimal levels, emphasizing the importance of meaningful public engagement in the budget process, according to the Open Budget Survey.