Explainer: The nature of freebies promised by political parties
W
hile the political slugfest between the BJP and the AAP over freebies refuses to end, an Election Commission analysis of the election manifestos of different parties disclosed a marked emphasis on freebies and doles.
The Commission in its report found that promises made in the manifestos of political parties include items such as gold coins, cash, land and constructed homes, free cattle and others. The poll panel said such doles are aimed at targeted groups of the electorate - BPL families, weaker sections, women, handicapped, among others - as well as the whole electorate.
A total of 17 manifestos were analysed by the ECI to find out if they contained schemes which were freebies or genuine welfare measures.
"Some cases could be categorized as either freebie or welfare measure. The manifestos were divided into six categories depending upon the type of promises made in them. These categories were tangible assets (like promise of land to landless labourers), direct transfers either monetary (like packages, financial support, scholarships) or promise of policies and schemes of direct transfer, promise of loans and loan waivers, subsidies and food (like provision of free or subsidized food)," said the report 'Narrative iamp; Statistical Report General Election to Lok Sabha, 2014' released in September 2018.
The poll panel report pointed out that some usual freebie items promised were laptops/tablets, grinders, mixers, fans, gold coin, cash transfers, land and constructed houses, cash for all unemployed youngsters, and livestock. These were targeted at urban and rural youth, marginalized sections, farmers, women and senior citizens and tribals.
The analysis by the poll panel also suggested that a significantly large number of clauses of freebies/welfare (nearly 43 per cent) had offered direct transfers, either monetary or through policy initiatives along with promises of assets and food subsidies targeted at the poor.
Apart from the political debates, the issue of freebies promised by political parties is also being heard in the Apex Court.
Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Thursday acknowledged that the impact of freebies promised by political parties on the country's fiscal health was "a serious issue" but said he was not in favour of derecognising any party over it because that would be "anti-democratic".
While considering a plea seeking directions to the Election Commission of India to not permit political parties to promise freebies during election campaigns, the Supreme Court on Thursday stressed on creating a balance between the welfare of the State and the economic strain on the public exchequer.
"Economy losing money and the welfare of people, both have to be balanced. That is why this debate and there must be someone to put thoughts to the vision," the CJI said.
On August 3, 2022, the Court had opined that an expert body consisting of various stakeholders such as Niti Aayog, Finance Commission, Law Commission, Reserve Bank of India, and members of ruling and opposition parties would be required to give suggestions to address the issue of promise of freebies during election campaigns.
To enable the Court to pass an order for the constitution of such a body, the bench directed the petitioner, Central Govern ment and the Election Commission of India to give suggestions.
Meanwhile, the political slugfest continued as the BJP on Friday launched a scathing attack on AAP chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, calling him a big liar who goes back on all his promises.
Leading the BJP charge, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi slammed Kejriwal over his promise of providing free electricity in several states and his tall claims about improving the standard of education in Delhi schools.
On the same day, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia alleged that the ruling party makes fun of welfare schemes by calling them 'revdi' (freebie) and instead follows a 'Dostwadi' model.
✔️ Explainer: The nature of freebies promised by political parties
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