Political parties promising “freebies” – What elite critics of freebies don’t understand

Source: The post political parties promising “freebies”, has been created on the article “What elite critics of freebies don’t understand” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Electoral Reforms.

News: The article discusses the trend of Indian political parties promising expensive welfare schemes, or “freebies,” during elections. This practice is criticized for being financially irresponsible and potentially harmful to state finances. The article also explores why parties rely on such tactics.

What are freebies?

According to the Reserve Bank of India report in 2022, freebies are defined as items or services provided free of charge as a public welfare measure. They can be differentiated from broader welfare goods, like health and education, but such a distinction poses significant challenge.

What are the reasons for the use of freebies by political parties?

Freebies as welfare measures: Political parties consider freebies as part of welfare measures. As such, they view it as a part of their political mandate and include it in their election manifesto.

Voter appeal: Freebies like cash transfers and smartphones are attractive to voters. They offer immediate and tangible benefits, making them effective for winning support.

Simplification of messaging: In the complex arena of electoral politics, freebies provide a simple, easily communicable message. Compared to nuanced policy discussions, direct benefits are straightforward to explain and understand.

Show quick results: Implementing long-term developmental projects is complex and time-consuming. Freebies, on the other hand, are easier to deliver and show quick results, which is advantageous for parties in power seeking to demonstrate their effectiveness.

Freebies are not a form of corrupt practice under the Representation of People’s Act: In S. Subramaniam Balaji vs. State of Tamil Nadu case, the Supreme Court ruled that political parties are within their rights to make electoral promises, including the distribution of consumer goods. The court determined that making such promises does not constitute corrupt practice. This has further supported the arguments made by political parties in favour of freebies.

Why are freebies harmful to the nation?

Financial Strain on State Finances: Offering freebies can lead to fiscal irresponsibility. It strains state budgets, as highlighted by RBI. This may even hinder the government’s ability to provide basic amenities.

Undermining Party Platforms: Excessive reliance on freebies can erode the ideological framework of political parties. It shifts focus from comprehensive policy-making to short-term benefits, weakening the party’s foundational principles.

Creating Unsustainable Expectations: The trend of offering larger benefits with each election creates unsustainable expectations among voters. This cycle can lead to a fiscal race to the bottom, where parties continuously promise more without regard for long-term fiscal health.

Reducing Credibility: Overemphasis on freebies can diminish a party’s credibility. It suggests a lack of substantial policies and hence, reliance on short-term tactics for voter appeal.

What should be done?

Fiscal Responsibility: The Election Commission of India has proposed that political parties disclose the financial impact of their manifesto promises. This will enable evaluation of such freebies against their trade-offs to ensure fiscal health and avoid straining budgets.

Clear Distinction: Make a clear distinction between what constitutes a public good and a freebie. This distinction is crucial to avoid misuse of public funds for short-term electoral gains.

Attitudinal change: Eradication of unnecessary freebie culture requires an attitudinal change in the masses. This warrants delivery of robust political and moral education at all levels.

Governance Focus: Focus on governance and execution of policies that offer long-term benefits, such as infrastructure development and job creation, rather than short-term giveaways.

For more information on freebies read here

Question for practice:

Evaluate the impact of offering freebies on a political party’s credibility.