Freebies Culture in India

Why is This Topic in the News?

The issue of freebies in electoral campaigns remains a contentious topic in Indian politics. A recent survey conducted across various cities has revealed mixed feelings among urban residents about the distribution of freebies, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about fiscal responsibility.

• The Prime Minister’s criticism of the so-called “revdi culture” in 2022 has further fueled discussions regarding the sustainability and ethical considerations surrounding election-related freebies.
• Unlike welfare policies designed to foster long-term economic and social development, freebies are often temporary handouts aimed at attracting voter support.

Survey Insights:

• More than half (56%) of survey respondents viewed freebies as unnecessary, with 78% categorizing them as tactics aimed at securing votes. Additionally, 61% expressed concerns over the potential impact of freebies on national finances.
• Wealthier respondents (84%) were predominantly critical of freebies, viewing them as economically detrimental, while only 46% of lower-income individuals shared this perspective. Conversely, lower-income groups tend to view subsidies for essential services, particularly in healthcare, as justifiable, contrasting sharply with the views of wealthier respondents.

Distinguishing Freebies from Welfare Policies

Positive Aspects of Freebies

• Support for the Lower Class: In less developed states with higher poverty rates, freebies can be instrumental in supporting and uplifting economically disadvantaged groups.
• Foundation for Welfare Initiatives: Many freebies are not merely election promises but also fulfill constitutional obligations towards citizens, as outlined in the Directive Principles of State Policy. For instance:

• • The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, initially launched in Tamil Nadu in 1956, later became a national initiative.
  • NT Rama Rao’s Rs. 2/kg rice scheme in Andhra Pradesh laid the groundwork for the National Food Security Program.
  • Initiatives like Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu and Odisha’s KALIA served as precursors to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN).

• Industry Boost: States like Tamil Nadu and Bihar provide women with sewing machines, saris, and bicycles, boosting related industries, making these expenditures productive rather than wasteful.
• Enhanced Social Welfare: Freebies can provide essential goods and services, such as food, healthcare, and education, to vulnerable populations. For example, free bus passes for women can encourage their participation in the workforce, fostering economically stable families and promoting women’s empowerment.
• Improved Access to Education and Skills Development: By distributing items like bicycles and laptops, governments enhance educational access, especially in rural areas. Initiatives such as the Uttar Pradesh government’s laptop distribution can boost productivity, knowledge, and skills among students. Reports indicate that distributing bicycles to schoolgirls in Bihar and West Bengal has significantly reduced dropout rates and improved attendance and learning outcomes.
• Strengthening Political Engagement and Trust: Freebies can enhance political awareness and public trust by demonstrating government accountability. Studies indicate that in states like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the distribution of freebies has improved public satisfaction with governance and increased voter turnout.

Negative Aspects of Freebies

• Financial Burden: The distribution of freebies can significantly strain public finances, costing between 0.1% to 2.7% of gross state domestic product (GSDP) in various states. Some states, like Andhra Pradesh and Punjab, allocate over 10% of their revenue to subsidies.
• Threat to Electoral Integrity: Promising excessive freebies before elections can unduly influence voters, compromising the fairness of the electoral process. This practice can be likened to bribery.
• Resource Misallocation: Freebies can lead to a misallocation of resources, diverting funds from productive sectors and hindering essential infrastructure development. NITI Aayog has criticized the allocation of funds for laptops in Uttar Pradesh, arguing that it detracts from pressing educational needs.
• Culture of Dependency: The provision of freebies may create a dependency culture, discouraging self-reliance and entrepreneurship, which are essential for sustainable economic growth.
• Reduced Accountability: Freebies can dilute governmental accountability, as political parties might use them to distract from systemic issues and failures in public service delivery.
• Environmental Concerns: Freebies can encourage overuse of natural resources, diminishing conservation efforts and increasing pollution. For instance, free electricity for farmers in Punjab has led to resource depletion and decreased quality of service from power utilities.

Ethical Considerations Surrounding Freebies

Government Perspective:

• Moral Responsibility: The government has an ethical duty to uplift marginalized sections of society. Providing welfare measures can fulfill this obligation, particularly in addressing poverty and inequality. However, there is a fine line between genuine welfare and populism aimed at garnering votes.
• Accountability and Transparency: Governments must ensure that welfare schemes are transparent, targeted, and sustainable, avoiding the misuse of public funds for political gains.
• Market Dynamics: Freebies may distort market incentives, creating disincentives for productivity. Ethical governance should encourage self-sufficiency rather than dependency.

Citizen Perspective:

• Responsibility of Citizens: While citizens can benefit from freebies, they are expected to engage in responsible behavior, such as managing finances wisely and seeking productive means to improve their situations. Overreliance on government aid can hinder personal and community growth.
• Equity and Justice: The allocation of freebies should be scrutinized for equity. Ethical considerations include assessing whether these measures favor specific groups and if they effectively address the root causes of poverty.
• Public Perception: The culture of freebies can shape societal values, potentially fostering a sense of entitlement rather than responsibility. This shift raises concerns about long-term civic engagement and community welfare.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Democratic Institutions: There should be an emphasis on enhancing the autonomy of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure effective monitoring and regulation of freebies during elections.
• Enhancing Voter Awareness: Promoting voter education initiatives can empower citizens to make informed decisions based on long-term development agendas rather than short-term incentives.
• Shifting Policy Focus: Encouraging political parties to prioritize sustainable, long-term policy planning over populist promises can foster public discourse centered around meaningful development objectives.
• Ensuring Transparent Governance: Emphasizing transparency and accountability in the implementation of welfare schemes can reduce corruption and ensure that intended beneficiaries receive support, thereby boosting public trust in government programs.
• Strengthening Social Security Systems: Instead of relying heavily on freebies, the government should focus on enhancing social security mechanisms such as quality healthcare, robust education systems, job creation, and comprehensive poverty alleviation programs to address the underlying causes of socio-economic inequality effectively.

Conclusion

The complex attitudes toward freebies among urban Indians highlight the tension between electoral promises and fiscal responsibility. While voters seek a balanced approach to welfare provisions, political parties face the challenge of aligning their campaigns with sustainable economic objectives. As India’s democratic landscape evolves, the ongoing debate surrounding freebies will likely influence welfare and fiscal policies in upcoming state and national elections.

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