29-October-2024-Editorial

ELECTORAL FREEBIES IN INDIA

The topic of electoral freebies in India is a contentious issue that raises questions about ethical governance, fiscal responsibility, and the long-term impact on society.

A recent survey shows mixed opinions among urban voters regarding freebies, especially in light of rising debates about their sustainability. Prime Minister criticism of the “revdi culture” in 2022 has further sparked discussions about the implications of offering short-term handouts to voters.

What Are Freebies?

Freebies refer to short-term gifts or handouts offered by political parties to attract voters during elections. Unlike welfare policies that aim for sustainable social development, freebies often lack lasting benefits.

Differences Between Freebies and Welfare Policies

Freebies	Welfare Policies
Defined by the RBI in 2022 as “public welfare measures provided free of charge.”	Comprehensive initiatives aimed at uplifting communities and improving living standards.
Focus on short-term relief measures like free laptops, TVs, or electricity.	Rooted in Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and align with social justice goals.
Criticized for fostering dependency rather than sustainable development.	Examples include the Public Distribution System (PDS) and MGNREGA.

Positive Aspects of Freebies

Support for Lower-Income Groups

• In underdeveloped regions, freebies provide essential support to impoverished populations, helping them meet basic needs.

Foundation for Welfare Schemes

Some freebies have evolved from pre-election promises to vital services meeting constitutional obligations. Historical examples include:

• The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, initiated in 1956.
• T. Rama Rao’s ₹2/kg rice scheme that led to the National Food Security Program.
• Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu scheme, paving the way for farmer support programs.

Economic Growth

• States like Tamil Nadu and Bihar provide items such as sewing machines and bicycles to women, boosting local industries and supporting economic activity.

Enhanced Social Welfare

• Freebies ensure access to vital services like food, healthcare, and education, benefiting vulnerable populations.
• For instance, bus passes for women can encourage them to enter the workforce, promoting economic stability and empowerment.

Improved Access to Education

• Distributing bicycles and laptops enhances educational access in rural areas. Reports indicate that such initiatives have improved attendance and reduced dropout rates among schoolgirls.

Increased Political Engagement

• Freebies can raise public awareness and foster trust in government, improving political participation. Studies have shown increased voter satisfaction and engagement in states like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Negative Aspects of Freebies

Financial Burden

• The distribution of freebies can strain state budgets, consuming between 0.1% and 2.7% of gross state domestic product (GSDP). Some states allocate over 10% of their revenue to such subsidies.

Unfair Electoral Practices

• Promising freebies can unduly influence voters, creating an uneven electoral playing field and resembling bribery.

Resource Misallocation

• Freebies can divert funds from essential sectors, hindering economic growth and infrastructure development. For instance, NITI Aayog has criticized subsidies like free laptops for overshadowing critical educational needs.

Dependency Culture

• Such initiatives can foster dependency among recipients, undermining self-reliance and entrepreneurship vital for economic progress.

Reduced Accountability

• The use of freebies may distract from governance issues and failures, leading to decreased accountability among political parties.

Environmental Concerns

• Free distribution of resources can lead to their overuse, resulting in environmental degradation. For example, free electricity for farmers in Punjab has caused resource depletion.

Ethical Perspectives on Freebies

Government’s Responsibility

• Moral Obligation: The government has an ethical duty to uplift marginalized groups. However, there’s a distinction between genuine welfare and populism aimed at winning votes.
• Accountability: Governments must ensure that welfare schemes are transparent and targeted, avoiding misuse of public funds.

Citizens’ Responsibility

• Engagement in Productive Activities: Citizens should use freebies responsibly and pursue personal growth to avoid dependency on government aid.
• Equity and Justice: Allocation of freebies should be assessed for fairness, ensuring they address the root causes of poverty rather than favoring certain groups.

The Way Forward

• Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Enhance the autonomy of the Election Commission to monitor and regulate freebies effectively during elections.
• Promoting Voter Awareness: Initiatives to educate voters about the long-term development agendas of political parties can reduce the influence of short-term incentives.
• Shifting Policy Focus: Political parties should prioritize sustainable policy planning over populist promises to encourage meaningful development.
• Ensuring Transparent Governance: Implementing transparency and accountability in welfare programs can enhance public trust and reduce corruption.
• Strengthening Social Security: Instead of relying heavily on freebies, the government should focus on solid social security measures, like quality education and job creation.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate about freebies in India reflects the tension between electoral promises and fiscal responsibility. While voters seek essential welfare provisions, political parties must navigate the challenge of aligning their campaigns with sustainable economic goals. As India’s democracy matures, how this issue is addressed will significantly shape welfare and fiscal policies in future elections.