FREEBIES CULTURE
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In News
- The Supreme Court of India has said that the Parliament may not take steps to do away with “irrational freebies”, as no political party wants to take away freebies.
- The Supreme Court has suggested setting up a specialised body to examine the problem related to “freebies”.
Background
- Recently the Supreme Court of India has asked the Union government to find out a way to restrain political parties from promising and distributing "irrational freebies" during election campaigns.
- A Bench led by the Chief Justice of India has raised concern over the issue as "serious" and asked the union government to control the promise of "freebies" to entice votes.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that "whether such policies are financially viable or its adverse effect on the economic health of the State is a question that has to be considered and decided by the voters of the State".
- The court said that freebies are a "serious issue" and had to be tackled at the level of the States.
Details
- During election time, Political parties make promises to the voters to provide free electricity/water supply, monthly allowance for the unemployed, laptops, smartphones, etc.
- These steps are justified as there has been rising inequality in our country, therefore some kind of relief to the population needs to be provided.
- It promotes socio-economic Growth: Public Distribution System, employment guarantee schemes, and support for the social sector: education and health.
Concern
- Freebies can hurt macroeconomic stability, it distorts expenditure priorities.
- Negative impact on the public exchequer and most of the states of India do not have strong financial health.
- Against Free and Fair Election
- It would lead to the overuse of natural resources, Ex- Free water, electricity, etc.
Way Forward
- Need to understand the socio-economic impact of state support on the economy, life quality, and social cohesion in the long run.
- Need to Differentiate between Subsidies and Freebies, as targeted subsidies are justified to promote socio-economic development and reduce inequality and for promoting sustainable development, however, irrational freebies need to be regulated as they could challenge the economic stability of the nation.
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