The Centre

They are an independent non-profit organisation enhancing transparency and accountability in governance through rigorous analysis of policies and budgets, and fostering people's participation in public policy processes by demystifying them.

Evolution

Envisioned by a group of civil society leaders and academicians, CBGA was started in 2002 as a programme of National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS). It was set up as an independent organisation in 2005 with the mandate to promote transparent, accountable and participatory governance, and a people-centred perspective in preparation and implementation of budgets in India.

Vision

CBGA’s efforts are directed towards promoting

• Transparent and accountable governance
• People's participation in the discourse and processes of governance
• A pro-people and rights-based policy environment, equity and social justice

Given the need for greater transparency and people's participation in the governance processes in the country, CBGA focuses on transparency in government budgets, spaces for people's participation in the processes that determine budgetary priorities, and the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms in this domain. However, in some cases, even a reasonably transparent and accountable system of governance might adopt an approach towards 'fiscal policy' that is not quite responsive to the needs and rights of the underprivileged sections. A significant part of CBGA's efforts, therefore, falls in the domain of in depth analysis of India's fiscal policy and related practices.