Public expenditure is classified into two major groups. Highlights and explain them

Answer 1

Public expenditure is classified into two major groups:

1. Revenue Expenditure:
Revenue expenditure refers to the expenditure made by the government on the day-to-day functioning and maintenance of public services. It does not create any physical or tangible assets. Some key highlights of revenue expenditure include:

- Routine Expenses: This includes expenditures on salaries and pensions of government employees, subsidies, interest payments on loans, administrative expenses, etc.

- Social Welfare Programs: These expenditures are aimed at providing benefits and support to the citizens, such as healthcare, education, social security, poverty eradication programs, and other welfare schemes.

- Maintenance and Repairs: This includes expenses incurred for the upkeep and maintenance of existing infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, and public utilities.

- Defense Expenditure: Expenditure made on defense and security purposes, including defense equipment, personnel salaries, maintenance, and training.

- Subsidies: The government provides subsidies to various sectors like agriculture, housing, transport, and energy to support specific industries or sections of society.

2. Capital Expenditure:
Capital expenditure refers to the government's spending on the creation of physical and human capital assets that yield long-term benefits. Some key highlights of capital expenditure include:

- Infrastructure Development: This includes investment in building new infrastructure like roads, bridges, airports, railways, ports, power plants, etc.

- Public Buildings: Construction and maintenance expenses for government offices, schools, hospitals, courts, police stations, etc., fall under capital expenditure.

- Development Projects: Investments in development projects like irrigation systems, dams, housing projects, industrial parks, etc., are considered capital expenditure.

- Research and Development (R&D): Expenditure made on scientific research, technological development, and innovation to enhance national growth and competitiveness.

- Human Capital Development: Investment in education, skill development initiatives, healthcare facilities, and other programs aimed at improving human capital and increasing productive capacity.

Capital expenditure adds to the productive capacity and economic growth in the long run, while revenue expenditure supports the ongoing operations and welfare of the government and citizens. Both forms of expenditure are essential for the overall functioning and development of a country's public sector.