The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed serious concern over the growing practice of distributing “freebies” by political parties across states, warning that such largesse could hamper the country’s economic development.
Hearing a matter relating to welfare expenditure, the SC observed that instead of relying on freebie schemes, political parties should frame planned policies and structured welfare programmes, such as unemployment schemes, that are justified through budgetary proposals.
‘Economic development will be hampered’
“The economic development of the nation will be hampered by this kind of largesse distribution. Yes, it is the State’s duty to provide, but the ones who are enjoying freebies… is it not something that should be looked at?,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant verbally observed.
The Chief Justice further questioned the fiscal prudence of states running deficits while continuing such expenditure.
“States are running into deficit but still giving freebies. See, 25 per cent of the revenue you collect in a year, why can it not be used for the development of the state?” he said.
The court clarified that its remarks were not directed at any one state but applied across the country.
“It’s not one state we are talking about, it’s about all states. It is planned expenditure. Why don’t you make budget proposals and give justification that this is my outlay on unemployment of people?” added Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Freebies now central to electoral strategy
Once limited to campaign promises, freebie announcements have increasingly become a key electoral strategy for political parties.
A report by Aequitas Investments notes that welfare schemes and “freebies” are being used as tools to secure votes, often putting pressure on state finances.
“As political parties compete in what appears to be a race to the bottom, welfare schemes and ‘freebies’ have evolved from mere campaign promises to the new currency of political power,” the report states.