Why in the NEWS?
After the Delhi assembly elections, The Supreme Court asserted that unrestrained freebies ease the poor into a parasitic life. It deprives them of any initiative to find work, join the mainstream and contribute to national development. As per RBI freebies are ”a public welfare measure such as that is provided free of charge”, however, the Election Commission of India has not defined it. In this article, we have discussed in detail about Freebies Culture in India.
Some facts and figures
In the survey, Over half (56%) of respondents viewed freebies as unnecessary, with 78% labelling them as vote-seeking tactics.
Moreover, Wealthier respondents (84%) largely see freebies as economically harmful, while only 46% of lower-income respondents share this view.
Positive Aspects Related to Freebies
1. Uplifting the Lower Class: In the least developed states, freebies become valuable in supporting and uplifting the lower strata of society.
2. Foundation for Welfare Schemes: Freebies provide a number of services that the government provides to meet its constitutional obligations. (DIRECTIVE PRINCIPAL OF STATE POLICY)
3. Boost Industries: Some states provide women with sewing machines and cycles, consequently boosting sales in these industries, and ultimately ensuring productive investment.
4. Enhanced Social Welfare: Freebies support vulnerable and low-income populations by providing essential goods and services like food and healthcare.
5. Strengthening Political Engagement and Public Trust: Freebies foster political awareness and public trust by demonstrating government accountability and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
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Negative Aspects Related to Freebies
1. Burden on Public Finances: It strains public finances, with costs ranging from 0.1% to 2.7% of Gross State Domestic Product.
2. Distortion in Resource Allocation: Freebies can misallocate resources by diverting funds from productive sectors, consequently hindering economic growth and essential infrastructure development.
3. Against Free and Fair Election: Promise of irrational freebies before elections influences the voters negatively and ultimately maligns the poll process.
4. Dependency Culture: Freebies may foster a culture of dependency, therefore discouraging self-reliance and entrepreneurship, which are vital for sustainable economic growth.
5. Environmental Impact: Freebies can lead to the overuse of natural resources(water, electricity)eventually reducing incentives for conservation and increasing pollution.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Focus on strengthening the autonomy of the election commission for effective monitoring and regulation of freebies.
- Enhancing Voter Awareness: Voter education along with awareness initiatives can empower voters to make informed decisions between healthy and myopic freebies.
- Shifting Policy Focus: Encouraging sustainable, long-term policy planning and development to shift public discourse towards meaningful development objectives.
- Ensuring Transparent Governance: Transparency and accountability in welfare scheme implementation can reduce corruption thus strengthening public trust in government programs.
- Strengthening Social Security Systems: Unlike irrational freebies, quality healthcare, robust education systems, job creation, and comprehensive poverty alleviation programmes can address the root causes of socio-economic inequality effectively.
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Conclusion
The freebies model of governance is neither sustainable nor a guaranteed election-winning formula. The onus of eliminating this very serious issue truly lies with both political parties and voters. Political parties should provide informed policies and promises and voters should ask informed questions to parties regarding the same. We hope this information on freebies culture in India will definitely guide and help you in upcoming exams and in the SSB Interview too.