Revdi culture debate: Why we need freebies in India

Source: The post is based on the article “Revdi culture debate: Why we need freebies in India” published in The Indian Express on 7^th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Government policies for betterment of vulnerable sections

News: Freebies have often been in debate for a while and there is an argument that SC (Supreme Court) and EC (Election Commission) must step in to check these. The article discusses the importance of freebies and the requirement of SC and EC intervention.

Is judicial or SC intervention required to tackle the issue of freebies?

Promises made by the political parties can be divided into two types: Promises made before the elections are announced and those made after.

The government cannot announce new schemes after the declaration of poll dates because of the model code of conduct. However, the promises made in the manifestos do not attract the model code of conduct.

Thus, the EC cannot question the manifestos as they are perfectly legal, even if the promises are infeasible.

SC judgment: The SC in its judgment accepted that the promises in manifestos cannot be taken as corrupt practice under the RP Act. However, SC directed the EC to frame guidelines with regard to the content of manifestos in consultation with all the recognized political parties.

However, political parties argued that it is their right and duty towards the voters to make promises through their manifestos. Thus, status-quo maintained. Therefore, neither the EC nor the SC should get involved in this legal and legitimate democratic instrument.

If the promises are unrealistic and absurd it is the duty of the media and opposition to expose them.

The matters of economic policy lie in the hands of elected representatives and neither the EC nor the SC should intervene in the political domain of the legislature.

Why freebies are important?

Rising inequalities: Oxfam’s 2022 annual report on inequality in India shows –

1. The number of poor doubled to 134 million as its dollar billionaires’ wealth doubled.
2. The richest 1 per cent have amassed 51.5 per cent of the total wealth while the bottom 60 per cent of the population a mere 5 per cent.
3. The reduced funding to local administrations due to the growing privatization in the health and education sectors has further increased inequalities.

Corporate tax cuts: The government recently reduced corporate tax rates for domestic companies resulting in a loss of 1.5 lakh crore, as per oxfam report. To compensate for the shortfall in direct taxes indirect taxes were increased during the pandemic.  This led to a rise in fuel prices impacting the prices of essential commodities such as foodgrain.

Fundamental responsibility of state: According to the World Food Program, our nation is home to a quarter of the world’s undernourished people. Providing its citizens with food, education and employment is the most fundamental responsibility of a democratic state.

Socio-economic benefits: Promises like cheap foodgrains and free items of utility have been useful for our society. For example, Starvation deaths haven’t occurred since Rs 1-2 kg rice was introduced. The distribution of bicycles had improved enrollment and retention of girls in schools in Bihar.  Employment guarantee schemes have brought visible relief to the rural poor.