The draft of the 2024 state budget allocates 500 million drams to promote participatory budgeting processes in the RA communities. This initiative aims to increase citizen participation in public finance management and decision-making processes, fostering inclusiveness and addressing public expenses through participatory procedures. The funds will be provided to communities through these participatory processes.
The introduction of participatory budgeting processes will enable communities to enhance the direct involvement of the population in budgeting processes, thereby increasing the effectiveness and targeted allocation of public resources. Residents of the community will have the opportunity to propose ideas and programs relevant to their community, which will be considered, discussed, selected through their votes, and provided the opportunity for implementation.
On November 2nd 2023 the Government of the Republic of Armenia adopted Resolution No 1890, "On Approving the Procedure for Providing Subsidies to Communities from the 2024 State Budget of the Republic of Armenia for the Implementation of Programs Formed by Participatory Budgeting in the Communities of the Republic of Armenia." This resolution outlines the primary regulations and procedures concerning the submission of proposals, discussions, and the selection process through direct voting in the context of participatory budgeting in communities.
In 2024, these requirements will be extended to four communities on a trial basis, including Ashtarak in Aragatsotn Province, Abovyan in Kotayk Province, Jermuk in Vayots Dzor Province, and Armavir in Armavir Province.