Budget Basics: What exactly are the govt's priorities in a budget?

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Budget 2024: Besides being the annual financial statement of the government and a projection of its revenue and expenditure in the coming year, the budget is also an eloquent device that speaks of a government's priorities in general. In its banner announcements as well as fine prints, a budget will tell you a lot about what the government wants.

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However, since budget announcements have complex economic, social and political contexts, they are heavily contested as experts parse them in various ways.

The allocations

The budget allocates money to different ministries and departments which is the most visible statement of the budget which catches the eye of the common people as well as experts. How much money is allocated for which purpose spells out the government's priorities.

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A broad measure for judging the budget is how much money is budgeted for capital expenditure which shows a government's commitment to economic growth since capital expenditure creates productive assets such as infrastructure. Splurging on subsidies and freebies points at the government's narrow political objectives or its commitment to ignite consumption at the bottom of the pyramid, especially during and after times of depressed demand.

Sizable allocations to health and education signal a government's commitment to long-term growth