POLL PROMISES
POLL PROMISES
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In News
- The Election Commission of India has proposed changes to manifesto guidelines under the model code of conduct regarding poll promises.
- The proposed change requires political parties to specify how they will arrange resources for the implementation of the poll promises.
- The Election Commission proposed disclosures about the promises and their implementation that would help voters make informed choices.
- The proposal comes as the result of the debate over freebies, the Supreme Court also hearing a petition seeking regulation of freebies.
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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