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WHAT IS IN IT FOR THE POOR? EVIDENCE FROM FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION IN VIETNAM.
- Source :
- Journal of Public & International Affairs; Spring2008, Vol. 19, p69-90, 22p, 1 Diagram, 3 Charts, 3 Graphs
- Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- Like other developing countries, Vietnam has attempted to push for greater fiscal decentralization in the hope of a more efficient delivery of social services to targeted citizens. The fiscal decentralization initiative is encouraging and merits pursuit, but the present study however, shows that a misstep in the decentralization process can discriminate disproportionately against the poor. Specifically, an increase in the sub-provincial share of the total provincial expenditures is predicted to bring about an appreciable decrease in the lowest-quintile average monthly income. We suggest that the Vietnamese government require provinces to adopt pro-poor allocation norms rather than reclaiming its control over the provincial expenditure assignment. This paper's empirical findings sound a note of considerable caution that other developing countries should exercise in their fiscal decentralization efforts to avoid creating unintended consequences for the poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1070521X
- Volume :
- 19
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Public & International Affairs
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32955657