India must reject the Freebie Culture

In the intricate dance between welfare and development, India faces the challenge of crafting policies that not only alleviate immediate concerns but also foster long-term growth both at the National as well as State levels.

In the intricate dance between welfare and development, India faces the challenge of crafting policies that not only alleviate immediate concerns but also foster long-term growth both at the National as well as State levels. Lately, a new trend has sneaked into the Indian polity to lure voters by offering freebies like free electricity, water, and monthly cash awards for women or household units.

While traditional freebies like electricity, water, monthly cash packets and other short-term relief measures like free rations, their impact on economic sustainability and development is a matter of concern. There is a need for all political parties to adopt a holistic approach that aligns welfare initiatives with targeted development strategies, striking a balance that empowers citizens while propelling the nation forward.

Genesis of Freebies

The scourge of freebies was first seen in Tamil Nadu in 1967 when the founder of DMK CN Annadurai promised 4.5 kg for a token price of Re 1/- if voted to power. DMK won defeating Congress and the scourge of freebies gradually became competitive in Indian politics. Gifts like TVs, laptops, internet, bicycles, scooters, and even saris became competitive and trendy during electioneering while the development schemes, health and education remained pushed backwards making life difficult for the poor. Amma canteens launched by Jayalalitha in Tamil Nadu became quite popular.  Along with the rise of youth power, unemployment and the cost of living have been rising in India since the 1990s.

Freebies become Trendy

Arvind Kejriwal and his band of so-called Crusaders against political corruption formed the Aam Admi Party (AAP) in 2012 and made a clean sweep in Delhi (2015) and Punjab (2017) assembly elections riding on their offers of freebies like a monthly quota of free electricity, wi-fi, water, Rs 1000/- for every woman and other attractions like free travels, tours and so on.

Taking the trend further, Congress gave five major guarantees to the voters during Karnataka assembly elections: Rs 2,000/- monthly assistance to women heads of all families (Gruhalakshmi), 200 units of power to all households (Gruhajyoti), Rs 3000/- per month for graduate youth and Rs 1500/- for diploma holders (Yuvanidhi), 10 kg rice per person per month (Annabhagya), and free travel for women in the State public transport buses (Uchita Prayana). All these offers total up to Rs 65,082 crore a year which is 20 per cent of the State budget. Currently, the fiscal deficit of the state is estimated to be Rs 60,531 crore. Add Rs 65,082 crore, and the total deficit rises to Rs 1,25,613 crore! Until now Karnataka has been an economically healthy state, but from now onwards this recurring burden will turn the state into an ill-health.

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi called this growing trend of freebies a Revadi culture and said it is dangerous for the country and could lead to far-reaching economic consequences, the trend is only gaining momentum. It is forcing the BJP also to play a game that is set on unfair rules.

Long-Term Effects of Freebie Culture

Taking note of the dangerous trend, The Supreme Court warned in 2013, “Budgets for freebies are going above regular budgets. This disturbs the level playing field. Freebies, undoubtedly, influence all people. It shakes the root of free and fair elections to a large degree.” But neither the apex court nor the CEC passed any compelling order to put an end to the ever-rising freebie trend. Riding on their promises of providing a quota of a certain amount of water and electricity free of cost to voters in 2015, AAP stormed to power in Delhi.

As far as farmers and their farm produce are concerned, free electricity, free water, farm loan waivers and subsidies are not sustainable solutions. There is an oft-quoted saying, “Give a man a fish, and he will be hungry again tomorrow. Teach him to catch fish, and you will have fed him and his family for all their future!” Therefore, freebies tend to accustom the beneficiaries to look for more freebies next time. The trend has no incentive to motivate beneficiaries to plan, prepare and endeavour to earn. Freebies extinguish the enterprise in citizens.

Therefore, this trend of freebies must stop and give way to more purposeful and productive methods. Political parties and governments in India must focus their vote-catching tactics to garner public support by launching empowerment programmes to enhance the earning skills and capacities of voters. Some of the measures that are sure to do good to the nation, society, individual voters and the parties contesting in elections are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Incentivise Enterprise and Reward Performance

Skill Enhancement and Job Creation:

In the pursuit of fostering a self-reliant workforce, the Union and State governments should pivot towards skill enhancement initiatives. This approach envisions investing in education and vocational training, equipping individuals with the tools needed to thrive in a dynamic job market. The result is twofold: unemployment is reduced, and the nation’s human capital becomes more competitive globally. This approach stands in contrast to unemployment allowances, which might inadvertently discourage active workforce participation and delay the development of a skilled labour force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched several skill development programs in India to enhance the employability and vocational skills of the country’s workforce. Some of the key initiatives include the Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and more.

Political parties and State Governments may explore more and innovate more such programmes including incentive-based competitions and facility creation for the enterprising men and women who may need support and guidance.

Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment:

Entrepreneurship emerges as a transformative force that drives innovation, job creation, and economic diversification. By offering seed capital, mentorship, and market access, the Union and State Governments can nurture a culture of self-employment, particularly among the youth. This empowers individuals to shape their destinies and contributes to a thriving business ecosystem. In comparison, monthly rewards for idle women without motivation to work, although well-intentioned, could inadvertently hinder women’s financial independence and limit their potential for entrepreneurship and growth.

Str

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to various SDGs, including poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, industry and innovation, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and strong institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
• Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship
• Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life
• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation
• Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
• Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are related to implementing social protection systems for the poor, increasing skills for employment and entrepreneurship, promoting women’s participation in decision-making, supporting job creation and innovation, increasing access to financial services for small-scale enterprises, enhancing sustainable urbanization, achieving sustainable resource management, integrating climate change measures, and developing effective institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the article does mention various initiatives and programs launched by the Indian government, such as Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which can be considered as indicators of progress towards target 4.4 (increasing relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship).

4. SDGs, Targets,

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: organiser.org

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