When Budget Spending Becomes a Goal, Not a Means. Every year, ministries proudly present budget allocations in Parliament — speeches, tables, infographics. But here’s the plot twist: once the money is spent or not spent, but the job is still done. Whether it worked or not? Nobody really cares, as long as there's a Utilization Certificate with the official stamp or amount transferred to some other head!
There’s actually an Outcome Budget Document — a rare piece of bureaucratic brilliance — that details what each rupee is meant to achieve. But fast forward a few months and guess what? No one follows up. No MP demands answers. No committee grills anyone on outcomes. It’s like writing a cheque and forgetting to ask if the goods ever got delivered.
So here’s a wild thought: what if ministries were brought under the Consumer Protection Act? Promises made in Parliament = commitments to citizens. No delivery? Straight to the Consumer Court. Because after all, if the taxpayer is the consumer, shouldn’t they have some rights?
When governance has no consequences, budgets become theatre. And we, the people, just keep paying for the tickets.
