Eficácia na utilização dos recursos do índice de gestão descentralizada pelos municípios da região metropolitana funcional de Natal/RN

Abstract

The 1988 Federal Constitution consolidated Social Assistance as a pillar of Brazil's Social Security system. The Organic Law of Social Assistance (LOAS) and the implementation of the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS established a decentralized and participatory model, strengthening cooperation among the federal, state, and municipal governments. Within this context, the Municipal Decentralized Management Index (IGD-M) was created as a financial instrument to promote improvements in the local management of the Unified Registry (CadÚnico) and the Bolsa Familia Program (PBF). This study analyzes the application of IGD-M in the Functional Metropolitan Region of Natal (RMF/Natal), focusing on its contribution to the effectiveness of social assistance policy. This is a descriptive study with an approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative methods. It used documentary research, public data analysis, and questionnaires administered to social assistance managers in municipalities within the Metropolitan Region of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. The methodology followed the principles of process evaluation with a focus on implementation, as defined by PLANAPP (2024) and Roberto Rocha (2004), aiming to understand the use of IGD-M resources in the local context. The findings show that, despite the regular use of resources and progress in registration updates, structural and operational challenges persist. The absence of formal planning, weak systematic monitoring, and limited intersectoral coordination undermine the efficiency of resource use and the achievement of IGD-M objectives, even leading to financial penalties, as outlined in Ordinance MDS No. 1,041/2024. It is concluded that the effectiveness of IGD-M depends on the municipalities' institutional capacity to plan, monitor, and integrate actions strategically. Recommendations include strengthening planning and monitoring mechanisms, enhancing staff training, intensifying outreach efforts, expanding coordination with health and education sectors, and ensuring active engagement of municipal social assistance councils.