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The Supreme Court (SC) said that Parliament may not be able to effectively debate the issue of doing away with “irrational freebies”.
Key Takeaways
- The court suggested setting up a specialised body to examine the problem.
- The court’s opinion was that the freebies were paving the way for an “economic disaster” besides “distorting the informed decision of voters.”
What are freebies?
- To win the public’s vote, political parties make promises to provide free power, household articles, cellphones, and other items during election time.
- Freebies have recently been playing a prominent role in India’s electoral politics.
The culture of freebies
- It was started mainly by the southern Indian states, promising accessible sarees, pressure cookers, washing machines, television sets, etc.
- Later, it was quickly followed by other political parties.
Issues and challenges of freebies
- Additional burden on the exchequer:
- The inadequate increase in freebie culture in Indian politics would further increase the additional burden on the exchequer.
- For example, if a government provides free electricity in an unsustainable way, it might increase the expenses of the government, which triggers a higher tax rate in the future.
- Against a Free and Fair Election:
- Before elections, the offer of irrational freebies made with public money distorts the playing field, corrupts the integrity of the election, and improperly affects voters.
- It amounts to unethical behaviour similar to bribing the electorate.
- It affects developmental projects:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cautioned that rising subsidy burdens have stretched state government finances, already exacerbated by Covid-19.
- The non-revenue generating freebies would deter the government from doing developmental activities such as health, education, digital literacy etc.
- It may cause unpleasant relationships among states:
- For example, the freebies and loan waivers of a particular state would tempt people from another state to demand such kinds of acts.
- It may trigger an unpleasant relationship among states and, finally may weaken the federal structure of India.
- Environmentally unsustainable:
- The freebies, such as free electricity, would lead to over-exploitation of the groundwater resources.
- It lowers the groundwater level.
- It is unsustainable and unjustifiable.
Way forward
- Differentiating Subsidies and Freebies:
- It’s essential to understand the financial effects of freebies and how they relate to taxpayers’ money.
- It is also essential to distinguish between subsidy and freebies as subsidies are the justified and specifically targeted benefits arising from demands.
- Better Policy Reach:
- There should be an independent body like NITI Aayog, composed of experts and eminent people.
- The institution should be tasked with researching and developing the democratic process.
- Strengthening the Election Commission:
- Bringing it under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and regulating manifestos by the Election Commission of India.
- Awareness generation:
- Educating the public on the effects of such freebies and the need for fiscal discipline.
- The people need to understand how wrong it is to sell their votes for gifts.
- They cannot expect good leaders if they do not roll back.
Conclusion
- In the prevailing circumstances and the face of an increasing number of political parties resorting to the announcement of unsustainable freebies, it that lt, the Election Commission must take strong steps to curb this tendency before the forthcoming elections to State Assemblies in 2023 and the Lok Sabha Election in 2024.
Pic Courtesy: The Hindu
Content Source: The Hindu