Punjab budget lacks clarity on allocations

The short-term Punjab budget for 2023-24 lacks basic information and some of the provisions made under various heads need clarification including the bloc allocation of Rs325 billion for development schemes and Rs70bn subsidy for the poor. “The budget document lacks details about the allocations made for various sectors. The budget has been distributed among sectors/departments in the form of bloc allocations which are very confusing,” an official source explained while talking to Dawn on Monday. “The government must ensure the provision of detail on all budgetary allocations,” the official requesting anonymity added. When asked why the budget was not self-explanatory, he said it seemed that the government has intentionally left it vague to avert questioning by the media or the financial experts. “In bloc allocations, the government finds space to spend or use money as per its wish. But, on the other hand, when the government explains the allocated funds to be spent for schemes mentioned, it is difficult for it to divert funds to the schemes of its desire,” he explained. “I think this is the reason probably. But let’s see what the interim government do in the next few days,” he remarked.