Author: Priyanka Pillay a Student of Symbiosis Law School, Pune
ABSTRACT
Contemporary politics, especially in republic like India, have come so focused in offering free effects with election manifestos. Though these pledges can aim at revenging socio- profitable imbalances, removing poverty, and empowering the deprived sections, their long- term consequences give ample cause for concern. This composition explores on the positive impacts, similar as an enhancement in knowledge situations, malnutrition reduction, and profitable relief, but rather the negative goods also include financial strain, work- ethic corrosion, and deformation of policy precedences. Real- life exemplifications, similar as Tamil Nadu’s mid-day mess scheme and Punjab’s free electricity action, punctuate the binary- whetted nature of these programs. Examining colorful case studies and judicial perspective, the composition has brought out the need for balancing sustainability, translucency, and namer mindfulness to make gifts a means for indifferent development without risking financial responsibility.
KEYWORDS
Election, political parties, manifestos, social welfare, enterprise, development, sustainability, responsibility, translucency.
INTRODUCTION
The Indian economy is a gigantic bone with the Central government earning its profit through direct and circular sources substantially levies. This suffices the government to pay off the interest on loans that it has taken,non-recurring charges the hires of government workers, subventions, and schemes including healthcare, education, and social security for the public. So, it can be comprehended that utmost of the fiscal burdens of the government including election juggernauts and schemes proposed by them depend upon the levies paid by the general public.
Election drives are way ahead than just requesting or manipulating the choosers to share and support the fancy party taglines. choices are the bedrock of republic and give citizens with the power to decide how governance should be. Among the arising marvels of ultramodern choices is gifts — the attempt to win choosers’ favor by promising goods, services, or financial backing by political parties. gifts frequently bridge the most critical socio- profitable gaps but overuse raises serious enterprises about financial sustainability and governance. The need for publicizing gifts arises when leaders start their election juggernauts without any fiat, so in order to attract the choosers they promise gifts. When we look at gifts from an profitable lens, the conception of gifts is against the basics of profitable principles, as they state that everything has a price and nothing can be free because someone has to pay for the free point.
WHAT ARE FREEBIES?
Freebies also known as gifts in political sense means goods or services indeed fiscal backing handed or promised to the choosers by the campaigners, political parties generally as a part of their election fiat or juggernauts to attract or impact the perspective of innocent choosers. For case, they may be free electricity, free water, healthcare, education, cash handouts, or consumer goods like boxes, laptops, and bikes. gifts always concentrate on short- term benefits and as per RBI’s announcement gifts are defined as” public weal measures handed free of charge.”
Distribution of these gifts is also known as “ Rewadi Culture ”. On 16th July 2022, while talking about the problem of gifts handed by the state government, our Prime Minister appertained to the term Rewadi Culture. Rewadi is a sweet given among the people on the jubilee day as a prasad. The Prime minister took the illustration of this sweet, where all the parties give out gifts for getting hold of the power. numerous a times we fail to distinguish amongst gifts and social weal securities as both a differing conception that must seek public attention with great pomp.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FREEBIES AND SOCIAL WELFARE SECURITIES
The distinction between these two concepts is quite subtle as both contrast minutely proceeding towards public benefit. For case, when the government provides life- saving drugs, food, or finances during times of natural disaster or epidemic to all, it’ll come under essential services, but in normal times, these schemes can be defined as gifts. The welfare measures like healthcare, education, electricity, etc., people can not organize for themselves. So, they handpick governments for that. How important of these welfare services should be free depends on the government’s financial space. Terms like” illogical” or” gifts” are open to private interpretation and have no precise legal delineations.
The answer lies in the vittles of the Indian Constitution. The constitution lists the Directive Principles of State Policy, the guidelines that set up the socio- profitable conditions for citizens to live a good life. This indigenous provision explains the wide acceptance of government gifts.Gifts can be quantified by limiting it to a specific group of people who basically need particulars to cure their solicitations whereas securities pertaining to social welfare are concerned with the whole nation serving every citizen securing their future for better progress as a whole. Many cases of social welfare securities are Public Distribution System( PDS), MGNREGA, and Mid-Day Meal( MDM) programs.
POSITIVE IMPACT OF FREEBIES
Article 38 and the Preamble of the Indian Constitution image the Indian state as a weal, socialist state. It emphasizes the just social order. Indeed the law book doesn’t criminalize distribution of gifts as according to the social smirch it improves the social standing of people.
Following are many stories regarding the auspicious impact of gifts which motivates political parties to strengthen their motives and issues-
- Encouraging the Weak –
In states with slightly lower levels of development and with higher rates of poverty, freebies are even more precious in upholding and elevating the lower classes in society. The financially weak ones also get recognition and supplies through which they can excel. The same can be observed in Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, providing food grains to the needy ones. Concession on bus tickets, special seats reserved in institutions, providing free sanitary napkins only to a limited section of women discriminated on the basis of age is a violation of Art 14.
- Boost Industries –
Freebies act as energizing constituent for industries as many commodities like silk saris, cycles, televisions, gold coins, scooters, laptops, handsets are provided in exchange of trust and vote. States like Tamil Nadu, Bihar are some regular practitioners of this scheme
- Increased Access to Education and Skill Development –
Through reservations and items like bicycles and laptops, governments improve educational accessibility, especially in rural areas. For example, freebies like distributing laptops among students in Odisha can increase their productivity, knowledge, and skills.
A report from the NITI Aayog mentioned that in Bihar and West Bengal, bicycle provision to schoolgirls has led to a marked decline in dropout rates, increased attendance, and enhanced learning outcomes.
- Strengthening Political Engagement and Public Trust-
Freebies can increase political awareness and public trust as they show that the government is accountable and responsive to the needs of citizens. Delhi, Goa, Bihar are the few regions which are pro-active in their mission of gaining maximum public satisfaction.
- Digital Empowerment-
Free electronic gadgets have become an easy medium to attract people as it has the potential of satisfying maximum demands and desires, primarily focusing on educational needs. Providing gadgets to meet educational needs have always been one of the core agendas of Tamil Nadu Government
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF FREEBIES
Though distribution of freebies does not constitute to be a “corrupt practice” it still disrupts the pure essence of free and fair elections. It has the potential to manipulate the minds of right-thinking people and might not fulfil the needs of the society as a whole. Here are few points that can navigate you through the side-effects of freebies.
- Financial burden upon the Government-
Freebies often involve significant budgetary provisions, and if the government’s revenue does not match its spending, it may have to borrow more. A high fiscal deficit can erode investor confidence, raise interest rates, and increase debt-servicing costs. Example: Excessive subsidies in sectors like agriculture and energy can contribute to fiscal imbalances, as seen in India’s subsidy burden crossing ₹3 lakh crore in FY 2023.
- Undermining Federalism –
The financial burden of freebies is often shared between the central and state governments, leading to conflicts. States that overspend on populist measures may demand greater central assistance, putting additional pressure on the central government’s resources. Example: States like Punjab and Tamil Nadu have faced fiscal stress due to excessive subsidies, prompting demands for higher central transfers.
- Undermining Democratic Choice-
Freebies influence voter behavior by creating a transactional relationship between voters and political parties. Instead of choosing candidates based on merit, vision, or policy, voters may be swayed by short-term material benefits. Example: The distribution of consumer goods like TVs or cash during elections in Tamil Nadu has often overshadowed critical policy discussions.
- Over-Reliance Syndrome –
Repeated provision of goods or services for free can create an expectation that the government will always fulfil basic needs, discouraging self-initiative. Example: Free electricity or water schemes) may lead to wasteful consumption, as individuals feel no accountability for usage. This dependency gives rise to other problems as well like lack of skill development, short term political gains, reduced productivity, resource misallocation
- Environmental Impact-
Freebies distribution can be highly environmentally destructive, especially when they involve subsidized or free access to natural resources. For instance, free electricity, water, or fuel schemes usually lead to overconsumption and waste, which depletes finite resources and accelerates environmental degradation. Free power for agriculture is a widespread phenomenon in many Indian states, leading to over-extraction of groundwater and declining water tables.
JUDICIAL RESPONSE
The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly expressed concerns about the unregulated use of freebies by political parties, especially during elections, as it can distort the democratic process and have significant fiscal and socio-economic consequences. While acknowledging the welfare objectives behind some schemes, the Court has called for a balanced approach to address the issue.
In the case of S. Subramaniam Balaji vs Government of Tamil Nadu (2013) The Honorable Supreme Court examined the constitutionality of political freebies and ruled that promises in election manifestos cannot be treated as a “corrupt practice” concerned with Section 123 of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951. However, it emphasized that the Election Commission should frame guidelines for manifestos to ensure transparency and accountability.
In 2021, the Supreme Court felt the urge to re-check upon the Rewadi Culture upon the insistence of ruling party through the means of PILs filed by and large. The Supreme Court took the so-called ‘Rewadi culture’ seriously during the hearing and said that the economy has to strike a balance between money and the welfare of the people and advised governments to verify and review whether freebies are valid or not.
Later, the Election Commission and Central Government supported the petition, stating that political party freebies should be regulated and till legislations are enacted, the Supreme Court may intervene. This landmark case has highlighted the fine line between welfare and populism, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, electoral fairness, and the need for institutional mechanisms to address the challenges posed by unregulated freebies.
WHAT SHOULD BE THE WAY FORWARD?
Clear Regulation and Guidelines
Enact laws to regulate freebies in election manifestos, requiring political parties to provide detailed cost analyses and funding sources. Strengthen the role of the judiciary and the Election Commission of India (ECI) in scrutinizing freebie promises and ensuring compliance with fiscal and democratic principles.
Foster Fiscal Responsibility
Political parties must disclose the financial implications of freebie promises, including their impact on fiscal deficits and debt. They must impose caps on freebie-related expenditures to ensure they do not jeopardize the state’s fiscal health.
Public Awareness and Voter Education
Educate citizens about the economic consequences of freebies and the importance of voting based on policies and governance rather than short-term benefits. Encourage civic groups, media, and educational institutions to promote informed voting.
Balance Between Welfare and Development
Prioritize investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare over blanket subsidies to ensure long-term economic growth. Adopt a needs-based approach to welfare, focusing on marginalized groups while promoting policies that enable upward mobility.
CONCLUSION
Freebies in politics and governance – a double-edged sword – can benefit some, while hurting others. On the one hand, they can play pivotal roles in lifting a small but vulnerable group of citizens, instantly addressing the most urgent needs, and spreading social welfare. However, high levels and unregulated provision of freebies could burden public finances, breed dependency, and undo democratic accountability.
The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has realized the thin line between welfare and populism and emphasized regulation, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Judicial observations bring out the fact that though welfare measures are important for balanced growth, they must be planned in a long-term perspective and supported by sound financial planning. In the future, a balanced approach is necessary. The focus should be on making citizens more capable through sustainable policies that enhance education, skill building, and self-reliance with minimal fiscal risk. Public awareness and electoral reforms are equally important to ensure that voters make decisions based on policies and governance rather than short-term gains.
FAQ
1. What are freebies in the context of politics?
Freebies are goods, services, or financial assistance promised or provided by political parties or candidates, often during election campaigns, to attract voters. Examples include free electricity, water, healthcare, education, consumer goods, or direct cash handouts.
2. Why are freebies controversial?
Freebies are controversial because they can:
- Strain public finances and increase fiscal deficits.
- Foster dependency among citizens.
- Distort democratic processes by influencing voter behavior.
- Divert resources from essential developmental programs.
3. What is the Supreme Court’s stance on freebies?
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the unregulated use of freebies, highlighting their potential to distort democracy and fiscal stability.
- Differentiating between welfare and populism.
- Encouraging the Election Commission to regulate freebie promises.
- Emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency.
4. What are some real-life examples of freebies in India?
- Positive Example: Tamil Nadu’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme, which improved school attendance and nutrition.
- Controversial Example: Free electricity schemes in Punjab, which have contributed to fiscal stress and groundwater depletion.
5. What is “Rewadi Culture” mentioned by the Prime Minister?
“Rewadi Culture” refers to the excessive distribution of freebies by political parties as a means to gain power, without considering long-term fiscal and socio-economic consequences. The term draws an analogy to the distribution of sweets during festivities.
6. How can voters make informed decisions about freebies?
Voters can:
- Assess the long-term implications of freebie promises.
- Demand transparency and accountability from political parties.
- Prioritize policies focused on development, education, and health over short-term benefits.
REFERENCE
S. Subramaniam Balaji v. Govt. of T.N., 2011 SCC Online SC 50
Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India, (2023) 14 SCC 611
