The budget 2005-06 should be discussed at length and not rushed through the parliament as was done last year. This was the consensus opinion of speakers, who participated in a brief discussion on "Budget Making Process in Pakistan" organised by the Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) here. They said budget documents should be clear, transparent and easy to understand as it has direct effect on consumers. Besides, participation of stakeholders from civil society should be ensured while chalking out fiscal legislation.
According to a study on the last budget 2004-05, the national assembly took more time in discussing the budget as compared to senate.
Last budget was passed after 10 days in the national assembly and simultaneously, five days debate in the senate. In term of net time, the national assembly debate lasted for only 54 hours and 12 minutes, including discussion on charge expenditures and cut motions, whereas the senate debated it for 26 hours and 31 minutes.
These 10 days is a very short time for passing the finance bill given international practices, which suggest that a national legislature requires about three to four months at least to minutely study all merits and demerits of the finance bill.
The commission said participation deficit was also there. Almost half of the MNAs did not participate in the budget debate last year. Out of total 342 MNAs, only 198 MNAs participated. However, 24 percent of the participants were women.
In the senate, out of 100 senators, only 75 participated in the discussion, which lasted for 5 days. In terms of hours, the time they consumed in discussion was only 26 hours and 31 minutes.