[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Hanyangim, a proportional representative of the Buk-gu Council of Gwangju Metropolitan City, pointed out on the 26th during the administrative audit, "The original purpose of the Resident Participation Budget System is to move away from the government-led budget formulation method and allow residents to directly participate in reflecting necessary projects in the budget, thereby practicing efficient financial management. However, currently, there are only project funds proceeding as resident participation budgets, and there is a lack of consideration for revitalizing resident participation."
Councilor Hanyangim stated, "In the future, regarding the formulation of the resident participation budget, it is necessary to pursue the concretization of proposed projects, secure expertise through strengthening the capabilities of resident participation budget committee members, and seek diversity in the limited participating groups."
He continued, "The resident participation budget system, which was first introduced nationwide in Buk-gu, Gwangju in 2003, has now rather regressed into projects promoted by self-governing organizations or some influential groups rather than being resident-led, leaving no residents involved and only the system remaining. I am concerned about this situation," adding, "We must revive the original purpose of the resident participation budget system and enhance the efficiency and transparency of budget management through residents' participation."
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