Question

Discuss the relevance of understanding the politics of public budgeting as a public administrator. Also explain why budget implementation is said to be more political than budget formulation.

Answer 1

Discuss the relevance of understanding the politics of public budgeting as a public administrator.

Public budgeting has a lot of functions to be fulfilled in the economy. Many objectives of public administration is met through budget process.

1. Effective allocation of public resources is possible through budgeting. Thus a public administrator should understand the same.
2. The public administrator can do financial planning effectively
3. Public budgeting enables the public administrator to do financial controlling in the economy
4. Show accountability since the public administrator uses the tax payers money

Also explain why budget implementation is said to be more political than budget formulation.

Budget implementation is said to be political.

• Political compromises are present in implementing the formulated budget.
• It is used as a tool for political negotiations.
• There is a chance that the budget funds may be diverted to certain constituencies only.
• Majority of the budget decisions are less rational because of the clash between the officials and elected people.
• Budgets are undergone negotiations because of the influence of budget officers, legislators, bureaucrats etc.
• The interested groups will dominate in the budget process.