Mayors should not rely only on the “Open Budget” to address public concerns

The Ministry of Economy and Finance has criticized local governments for their reliance solely on the "Open Budget" initiative to address public issues. Shohrukh Isankulov, Deputy Director of the Ministry's State Budget Policy Department, expressed this concern during a press conference held at the Information and Mass Communications Agency.

During the conference, a correspondent from QALAMPIR.UZ noted that while the "Open Budget" does help resolve many public issues, it also serves as an excuse for local mayors, allowing them to deflect citizens' concerns by directing them to participate in the "Open Budget" initiative to resolve their neighborhood problems. The correspondent sought the reaction of the Ministry of Economy and Finance on this matter. In response, Ishankulov stated:

"The Ministry of Economy and Finance conducts both online and offline meetings with local governments at the start of each season of the 'Open Budget.' These meetings discuss not only the 'Open Budget' but also the allocation and intended use of funds for other projects. Our colleagues even visit the regions to study these issues firsthand. When citizens approach local authorities with problems in their neighborhoods, mayors should not simply rely on the 'Open Budget,' thereby delaying the resolution of these problems. The Ministry of Economy and Finance remains firmly opposed to such practices."

It is noteworthy that the voting process for the "Open Budget" began on August 22 and will continue until September 1.