Gains from Public Financial Management Reforms

This publication looks at how West Bengal in India addressed adverse fiscal situations by spearheading policy and institutional reforms in public financial management (PFM) with the support of ADB. One of the key reforms was the development and implementation of an IT-based integrated financial management information system (IFMS), which was upgraded and expanded to integrate all PFM systems and processes across sectors and levels. These reforms improved the overall operational efficiencies and transparency of the Government of West Bengal and enhanced expenditure efficiency, debt management, and revenue administration. By enabling taxpayers and service seekers to settle their taxes and fees through an online system, the reforms improved public service delivery. These improvements yielded cost and time savings for both the government and citizens and contributed to long-term development outcomes.