Circulation of Open Budget Nepal Survey 2019

Nepal has regressed on Open budget Index as shown on the latest survey report published by the International Budget Partnership’s (IBP).

Transparency Index has dropped to 41 in 2019 from 52 on 2017 on Open Budget Survey (OBS) – the research instrument using internationally accepted criteria to assess public access to central government budget information, formal opportunities for the public to participate in the national budget process; and the role of budget oversight institutions such as the legislature and auditor in the budget process.

This survey is based on a questionnaire completed in each country by independent budget experts: Taranath Dahal and Krishna Sapkota of Freedom Forum for Nepal.

This survey finds that Nepal has decreased the availability of budget information by failing to publish the In-Year Reports (Quarterly Economic Bulletins) online within three months of the end of the reporting period, failing to publish part of the Year-End Report (Annual Progress Assessment Report-2017-18).

With the view of drawing government attention to this report and its recommendations which would be useful for the government to initiate reforms in budget processes and policies; at a time when the executive is presenting the federal budget in the parliament on May 28 (14 Jestha), we, Freedom Forum, have circulated the Open Budget Nepal Survey 2019 (Both Nepali & English Edition) to following Government Personals, Appointees and Elected Officials.