Don\'t burden utilities, pay for freebies from budgets: FM
2 years, 3 months ago

Don\'t burden utilities, pay for freebies from budgets: FM

Deccan Chronicle  

MUMBAI: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said political parties that come to power on pre-poll promises of freebies should pay for those through budgetary provisions. Citing the example of free electricity being promised in many states, the finance minister said the burden for the freebies should not be thrust upon the power discoms or gencos. You should be, as a responsible party, assume after you come to power, make a provision in the budget for it," Sitharaman said, speaking at the FE Best Bank Awards event here. Underlining that we should have a rigorous debate on the issue of freebies, Sitharaman suggested that the government supports deploying resources to aid one's journey out of poverty and empowering people, but one should not look at such efforts as entitlements.

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History of this topic

Freebies, cash and lots of personal touch: Kejriwal's campaign cocktail for Delhi
Trending News
1 week ago

Freebies, cash and lots of personal touch: Kejriwal's campaign cocktail for Delhi

India Today  

Once again, it’s raining freebies for Delhiites in election season. While BJP leaders have derided AAP’s schemes as “freebies”, Kejriwal dismissed these criticisms with confidence. Promising life and accident insurance worth Rs 15 lakh, financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for their daughters’ weddings, Rs 2,500 uniform allowance twice a year and free coaching classes for their children, Kejriwal called …

People must weigh immediate benefit vs long-term gain: Nitin Gadkari on freebies
1 week, 4 days ago

People must weigh immediate benefit vs long-term gain: Nitin Gadkari on freebies

India Today  

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday cautioned voters about political parties offering freebies ahead of elections, urging them to weigh the lure of instant gratification against the benefits of long-term policies. With political parties increasingly resorting to the freebie pitch to woo voters, people also started to have expectations and vote for the party which they see …

BJP promises to continue free electricity, water schemes in Delhi; AAP dismisses it as ‘electoral jumla’
3 weeks ago

BJP promises to continue free electricity, water schemes in Delhi; AAP dismisses it as ‘electoral jumla’

Live Mint  

The Bharatiya Janata Party has said that it will continue the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government's free electricity, water subsidies and and free bus rides for women should it come to power in the national capital in the upcoming assembly elections. South Delhi Member of Parliament and chairman of the BJP's manifesto committee for Delhi assembly elections, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri …

Freebies are not fiscally sustainable but there’s no need to ban them
1 month, 1 week ago

Freebies are not fiscally sustainable but there’s no need to ban them

Live Mint  

In the lead-up to elections, Indian politics frequently centres around promises of state- Such handouts have become a staple of political manifestos, offering immediate relief to certain groups. However, Delhi’s relatively high per capita income of ₹414,711 allows the government to fund such schemes without much fiscal strain. Singapore’s model demonstrates how institutional frameworks can ensure that welfare benefits are …

The Importance of Carefully Crafted Promises in Government Finance
1 month, 2 weeks ago

The Importance of Carefully Crafted Promises in Government Finance

Deccan Chronicle  

The Congress and the BJP are engaged in a war of words over the caution advised by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on announcing poll freebies. While both parties have a history of making outlandish promises, the Congress has a greater track record of fulfilling them. However, the BJP has also made some significant promises in the past, and some of …

BJD promises free power to consumers up to 100 units
7 months, 2 weeks ago

BJD promises free power to consumers up to 100 units

New Indian Express  

BHUBANESWAR: In a move to woo voters ahead of the elections, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday promised free power for consumers using up to 100 units of electricity and 50 per cent subsidy for those consuming between 100 to 150 units. Announcing the ‘People’s Manifesto’ of the BJD here, the chief minister said that around 75 per cent of …

Promise of freebies rule the roost in Andhra Pradesh elections
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Promise of freebies rule the roost in Andhra Pradesh elections

The Hindu  

The politics of freebies, now an inseparable component of Indian democracy, is also ruling the roost in Andhra Pradesh. Jagan Mohan Reddy released the party’s manifesto on Saturday, and as expected, it is loaded with promises of welfare schemes and freebies. Carrying forward his ‘Nava Ratnalu’ welfare schemes which helped him bag the Chief Minister post in the 2019 elections, …

Ex-RBI Governor bats for imposing restraints on freebies by political parties, gives THESE suggestions
8 months ago

Ex-RBI Governor bats for imposing restraints on freebies by political parties, gives THESE suggestions

India TV News  

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor D Subbarao said the Modi government should come out with a 'White paper' to generate consensus among political parties on the issue of giveaways or freebies. On some of the states crossing Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management limits, he said states and the central government should maintain fiscal discipline and the FRBM targets should …

'Important Matter': CJI DY Chandrachud Agrees To Hear Plea On Election Freebies
9 months ago

'Important Matter': CJI DY Chandrachud Agrees To Hear Plea On Election Freebies

Live Law  

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud was requested to have an early hearing of the petition raising the issue of political parties promising electoral freebies. Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, requested an earlier listing of the pending matter of the distribution of freebies from public funds by Political Parties. There are …

Two years of AAP govt: Free power powers populism in Punjab
9 months, 1 week ago

Two years of AAP govt: Free power powers populism in Punjab

Hindustan Times  

Almost 90% of Punjab’s households got zero electricity bills last month. Of the 38 lakh consumers billed by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, 33.5 lakh got zero bill for electricity consumption. According to the state’s annual budget, a total power subsidy bill of ₹20,477crore crore has been proposed for 2024-25 as compared to the ₹17,457 crore in the last …

Why should freebies be opposed?
1 year, 3 months ago

Why should freebies be opposed?

Deccan Chronicle  

A news story in a Tamil newspaper caused a flutter last week. Hastening to answer these two questions that the debates on social media threw up and the criticism of some politicians raised in other forums, too, I would say ‘no.’ Giveaways, gifts, free lunches and compliments are part of human civilization and sloth among people cannot be blamed on …

Behind Narendra Modi's 'No Freebies' Policy, A 2007 Lesson in Gujarat
1 year, 4 months ago

Behind Narendra Modi's 'No Freebies' Policy, A 2007 Lesson in Gujarat

News 18  

Narendra Modi was facing his second state elections in 2007 in Gujarat and the buzz was that it was going to be tough for him this time, after winning the 2002 elections on the back of the Gujarat riots. Senior BJP leaders toured Gujarat and advised Modi to announce two things — free electricity and a farm loan waiver. In …

Freebies versus development: How 'Revdi' culture trades off development and results in unsustainable state finances
1 year, 4 months ago

Freebies versus development: How 'Revdi' culture trades off development and results in unsustainable state finances

Firstpost  

Given the poor fiscal health of our states, the ethics of offering inducements to voters without stating the impacts needs to be debated. Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivkumar’s assertion that delivering on poll promises will eat up all available resources points to the Revdi culture in Indian politics, and its dire impact on states’ finances. Fifteenth Finance Commission …

Doing Freebies Math: Why there are no easy solutions
1 year, 10 months ago

Doing Freebies Math: Why there are no easy solutions

India Today  

While releasing his recent book, BJP MP Varun Gandhi made a strong pitch for regulating freebies culture. In October 2022, ECI released a standard pro-forma to be used by political parties to disclose how they would fund their poll promises, a move that provoked heated response from opposition parties, with some of them calling it an “interference in their democratic …

Freebie is not an issue, issue is how will you give it: Nirmala Sitharaman
1 year, 11 months ago

Freebie is not an issue, issue is how will you give it: Nirmala Sitharaman

The Hindu  

Responding to a question on freebies, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was participating in the 75th year celebrations of Panchjanya — an RSS-linked magazine, said that freebies are something that everyone is talking about these days and everyone traps others on the same subject. Attacking State governments, especially Aam Aadmi Party run Delhi government, that gives free power to residents …

Freebies to allure voters, welfarism a policy intervention for inclusive growth: BJP in letter to EC
2 years, 1 month ago

Freebies to allure voters, welfarism a policy intervention for inclusive growth: BJP in letter to EC

Firstpost  

Making a distinction between freebies and welfarism, the BJP has suggested in a reply to the poll panel that parties should place emphasis on voter empowerment and capacity building rather than increase the dependency of people, a party insider said. New Delhi: Making a distinction between freebies and welfarism, the BJP has suggested in a reply to the Election Commission …

Freebies to allure voters, welfarism policy intervention: BJP in letter to EC
2 years, 1 month ago

Freebies to allure voters, welfarism policy intervention: BJP in letter to EC

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: Making a distinction between freebies and welfarism, the BJP has suggested in a reply to the Election Commission that parties should place emphasis on voter empowerment and capacity building rather than increase the dependency of people, a party insider said. “The BJP has suggested that emphasis should be on empowering voters, increasing their capacity, imparting them skills to …

Do not insult the common man by calling facilities as freebies: Kejriwal
2 years, 2 months ago

Do not insult the common man by calling facilities as freebies: Kejriwal

The Hindu  

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday took to twitter to ask why people, who are worried due to inflation, should not get access to free education, medicine and electricity, and said that by calling such things free, the common man should not be insulted. Mr. Kejriwal was commenting on a news clip in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had …

Affidavits will not fix freebies
2 years, 2 months ago

Affidavits will not fix freebies

Hindustan Times  

In what appears to be yet another effort to tackle the problem of freebies, the Election Commission of India has proposed – views of political parties have been sought on the issue – an amendment to the Model Code of Conduct for elections. The proposed amendment asks that political parties come clean on the fiscal costs of political promises made …

Freebies are deciding factor in AP polls; Opposition follows YSRC in freebies
2 years, 3 months ago

Freebies are deciding factor in AP polls; Opposition follows YSRC in freebies

Deccan Chronicle  

VIJAYAWADA: Freebies will be a deciding factor in elections in Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister Jagan Reddy, banking on his government’s flawless welfare schemes implementation, started a negative campaign against Chandrababu Naidu by warning the people that these benefits would be stopped if the TD comes to power. The Navaratnalu welfare schemes are the main strengths of Jagan now, as he …

Polls in Andhra Pradesh to see fight over freebies
2 years, 3 months ago

Polls in Andhra Pradesh to see fight over freebies

Deccan Chronicle  

VIJAYAWADA: Freebies will be a deciding factor in elections in Andhra Pradesh. TD chief Chandrababu Naidu has announced that, if elected to power, he will provide more welfare aid to people than the present Jagan government. Chief Minister Jagan Reddy, banking on his government’s flawless welfare schemes implementation, started a negative campaign against Chandrababu Naidu by warning the people that …

Poorly-directed freebies may have adverse consequences on economy: Experts
2 years, 3 months ago

Poorly-directed freebies may have adverse consequences on economy: Experts

Firstpost  

The Supreme Court recently said freebies at the cost of taxpayers’ money may push the country towards imminent bankruptcy New Delhi: Poorly-directed freebies may wreak havoc on state finances and have adverse consequences on the economy as in the case of Sri Lanka, experts say while noting it is important to define a freebie and how it is different from …

DC Edit | Fight freebies, respect welfare
2 years, 3 months ago

DC Edit | Fight freebies, respect welfare

Deccan Chronicle  

One of the most crucial debates triggered nationally in recent times in India is the aspect of reconsidering the carte blanche political parties currently enjoy on announcing freebies in the manifestos before elections, without any thought to the costs, desirability, sustainability or benefits of such announcements, oblivious to tax payer’s plight, eyeing only the most immediate electoral benefits. That someone …

Freebies necessary for welfare of poor: KTR
2 years, 3 months ago

Freebies necessary for welfare of poor: KTR

Deccan Chronicle  

HYDERABAD: IT and industries minister K.T. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said freebies were needed to distribute among the poor and people under Below Poverty Line for their daily expenses and came down heavily on the BJP for its move to stop welfare schemes terming them freebies. “If we offer pension schemes for old age people and differently-abled, these …

Issue of political parties promising freebies 'serious', why can't Centre call for all-party meet, asks SC
2 years, 3 months ago

Issue of political parties promising freebies 'serious', why can't Centre call for all-party meet, asks SC

Firstpost  

The apex court said unless there is a unanimous decision among political parties that freebies are going to destroy the economy and needed to be stopped, nothing can happen New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said there must be a “debate” on the “serious” issue relating to the practice of political parties promising freebies and asked why cannot the …

Are freebies a way to mask state inaction?
2 years, 4 months ago

Are freebies a way to mask state inaction?

The Hindu  

In March 2021, Thulam Saravanan, a legislative Assembly candidate for the Madurai South constituency in Tamil Nadu, offered extraordinary sops such as ₹1 crore and a car worth ₹20 lakh for each household, a robot for every homemaker, ₹1 crore to youth looking to start a business, a 100-day trip to the moon, a 300-feet artificial glacier to keep people …

Freebies come at a price: economist
2 years, 4 months ago

Freebies come at a price: economist

The Hindu  

Freebies are never ‘free’ and when political parties offer such schemes, they must be required to make the financing and trade-offs clear to voters, RBI Monetary Policy Committee Member Ashima Goyal said on Sunday, adding this would reduce the temptation towards “competitive populism”. Noting that this hurts production and resource allocation and imposes large indirect costs, such as the water …

Freebies are never 'free'; subsidies that distort prices are harmful, says RBI MPC member Ashima Goyal
2 years, 4 months ago

Freebies are never 'free'; subsidies that distort prices are harmful, says RBI MPC member Ashima Goyal

Firstpost  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has in recent days hit out at the competitive populism of extending ‘rewaris’ or freebies which are not just wastage of taxpayers’ money, but also an economic disaster that could hamper India’s drive to become Atmanirbhar New Delhi: Freebies are never ‘free’ and when political parties offer such schemes, they must be required to make the …

Modi govt. is the biggest freebie giver for political leverage: Amit Mitra
2 years, 4 months ago

Modi govt. is the biggest freebie giver for political leverage: Amit Mitra

The Hindu  

Wading into the freebie debate, former West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra said what Prime Minister Narendra Modi government was calling “freebies” were fundamental for the inclusive economic growth of the country. This government has been the biggest giver of freebies for political leverage.” He pointed out that through eight Central schemes, the Centre pays out ₹1.25 lakh crores, which …

Should there be limits on ‘freebies’
2 years, 4 months ago

Should there be limits on ‘freebies’

The Hindu  

While hearing a petition demanding the de-recognition of political parties that promise “irrational freebies” to voters, the Supreme Court recently drew attention to the substantial fiscal cost of freebies. Also, even if people are sitting at the top of the income distribution pyramid, you could still see something that the petitioner describes as a “freebie” as a welfare measure. But …

Should there be limits on ‘freebies’? | The Hindu Parley podcast
2 years, 4 months ago

Should there be limits on ‘freebies’? | The Hindu Parley podcast

The Hindu  

While hearing a petition demanding the de-recognition of political parties that promise “irrational freebies” to voters, the Supreme Court recently drew attention to the substantial fiscal cost of freebies. The court noted that a legislation banning freebies is not advisable, but at the same time called for a balance between welfare measures and loss to the public exchequer. The Supreme …

Rewadi war: Here's all you need to know about election freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Rewadi war: Here's all you need to know about election freebies

India Today  

The freebie culture has made it to the centrestage of Indian politics. Telangana Rashtra Samithi Member of Legislative Council Kalvakuntla Kavitha said on Tuesday said that welfare schemes for poor people are not ‘freebies,’ and waiving loans of “dupe agencies” are actual freebies. Congress- Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Jaya Thakur told the Supreme Court that freebies in elections, such as …

Voters prefer to earn a dignified earning over freebies: Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

Voters prefer to earn a dignified earning over freebies: Supreme Court

The Hindu  

Voters, if given a chance, will prefer to earn a dignified earning through welfare schemes such as MNREGA and create public assets in rural India. The court was hearing a petition to curb the practice of offering or distributing “irrational freebies” at the cost of public money, especially in debt-ridden States during the run-up to elections. ‘Don’t confuse freebies with …

Freebies can become burden for future, says former RBI Governor
2 years, 4 months ago

Freebies can become burden for future, says former RBI Governor

The Hindu  

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor D. Subba Rao on Monday sought to caution how freebies unless targeted can become a burden for future generations. Mr. Rao, responding to queries after delivering an address on India @75 - Marching Towards $5 Trillion Economy, said this pointing to how the Prime Minister has triggered a debate on the important issue. To …

Our problem is fiscal mismanagement and not freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Our problem is fiscal mismanagement and not freebies

Live Mint  

Recent weeks have seen increasing apprehensions raised by India’s political leadership as well as the judiciary on the increasing tendency of governments and political parties to promise ‘freebies’ to citizens. On 15 July, speaking at a function in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns about the ‘revdi’ culture of political parties promising freebies to garner votes. The way …

I’ll bet you ₹15 lakh: Mahua Moitra’s jibe at Nirmala Sitharaman on freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

I’ll bet you ₹15 lakh: Mahua Moitra’s jibe at Nirmala Sitharaman on freebies

Live Mint  

Trinamool Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra took a jibe at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a tweet over freebies debate on Sunday by sharing a screenshot of a remark made by the latter. In an event on Saturday, the Finance Minister said that the Modi government aims to empower everyone through saturation of the existing welfare schemes as every …

How AAP's freebie spree is changing Gujarat poll narrative
2 years, 4 months ago

How AAP's freebie spree is changing Gujarat poll narrative

India Today  

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a battery of BJP leaders has spoken out against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal’s “politics of freebies.” On Thursday, the Supreme Court said freebies are a serious issue because the economy is losing money due to them. But while the BJP, from its central leadership to leaders in Gujarat, is …

Nirmala Sitharaman, Arvind Kejriwal spar over electoral freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Nirmala Sitharaman, Arvind Kejriwal spar over electoral freebies

Live Mint  

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday rejected Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s criticism of central government’s management of the fiscal and demanded an informed debate on freebies--benefits announced by political parties ahead of polls. The debate over freebies also highlights the stark difference in the way political parties view how economic growth and social welfare goals could be achieved. Sitharaman …

Centre proposes 11-member committee to look into freebies during polls
2 years, 4 months ago

Centre proposes 11-member committee to look into freebies during polls

India Today  

After terming the freebie culture by political parties as an ‘economic disaster’, the Centre on Thursday suggested the Supreme Court constitute an 11-member committee to look into the issue. The top court was hearing a PIL filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, which opposes the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections and seeks the Election Commission to invoke its …

Supreme Court not in favour of derecognising political parties over freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Supreme Court not in favour of derecognising political parties over freebies

The Hindu  

The Supreme Court on August 11, 2022 refused to consider the question of derecognising political parties who resort to freebies. The apex court was considering the question of reining in the practice of political parties offering "irrational freebies" to the electorate if they are voted to power, especially in states which are already drowning in debt. Sheer loss to national …

‘Freebies will restrict India from turning self-reliant’
2 years, 4 months ago

‘Freebies will restrict India from turning self-reliant’

Live Mint  

Prime minister Narendra Modi has again hit out at opposition parties for offering freebies to voters, saying this would restrict India from becoming self-reliant and increase the burden on taxpayers. Speaking at the launch of Indian Oil’s second-generation ethanol plant at Panipat refinery on Wednesday, Modi said that such announcements are driven by vested interests and prevent investments in new …

'Education, healthcare not freebies': AAP tells Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

'Education, healthcare not freebies': AAP tells Supreme Court

India Today  

Asserting that socio-economic welfare schemes for the marginalised population cannot be termed as freebies, the Aam Aadmi Party has sought the Supreme Court's intervention in a pending petition on the issue. "Directive Principles of State Policy of the Constitution reinforced the idea that the state should pursue a socialist and welfarist program for bringing an equitable social order where every …

Sop or welfare debate: The Hindu Editorial on freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Sop or welfare debate: The Hindu Editorial on freebies

The Hindu  

A general concern over ‘freebies’ pushing the economy to ruin or unviable pre-election promises adversely affecting informed decision-making by voters seems reasonable. However, few will disagree that what constitutes ‘freebies’ and what are legitimate welfare measures to protect the vulnerable sections are essentially political questions for which a court of law may have no answer. The Chief Justice of India, …

Supreme Court calls for expert panel to regulate freebies offered during elections
2 years, 4 months ago

Supreme Court calls for expert panel to regulate freebies offered during elections

India Today  

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said there is a need for an apex body consisting of members from the Niti Aayog, the Finance Commission, ruling and opposition parties, the Reserve Bank of India and other stakeholders, to make suggestions on how to control freebies given by political parties during election campaigns. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, meanwhile, said "mindless" freebies would …

Making sense of the ‘freebies’ issue
2 years, 4 months ago

Making sense of the ‘freebies’ issue

The Hindu  

August 03, 2022 12:16 am | Updated 12:12 pm IST Concern over ‘freebies’ in Indian politics has recently been expressed by those in the highest offices in the country. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Bundelkhand Expressway on July 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned youth not to get carried away by the ‘revari culture’, where votes are sought …

The problem of freebies and how we define them
2 years, 5 months ago

The problem of freebies and how we define them

Live Mint  

How free is a freebie? And so, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent warning about election-driven fiscal populism is well taken, especially since states finances remain weak. The PM called it a culture of distributing free revri—a sesame-filled sweet that is often tossed into bonfires at north Indian harvest festivals. Scholars have called the Modi government’s redistribution agenda ‘new welfarism’, with …

People of Gujarat must get free electricity: Kejriwal
2 years, 5 months ago

People of Gujarat must get free electricity: Kejriwal

The Hindu  

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener, on Monday promised that people of Gujarat will get free electricity if his party is voted to power in the forthcoming Gujarat Assembly election to be held later this year. On the second day of his visit to the poll-bound State, Mr. Kejriwal addressed a town hall “Bijli Jansamvad” event …

'No Different From Offering Freebies': Delhi HC Dismisses Challenge To Practice Of Political Parties Promising "Cash Benefits" In Election Manifestos
2 years, 7 months ago

'No Different From Offering Freebies': Delhi HC Dismisses Challenge To Practice Of Political Parties Promising "Cash Benefits" In Election Manifestos

Live Law  

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a PIL challenging the alleged practice of political parties offering cash benefits in lieu of votes during elections. The development ensued in a petition filed by Parashar Narayan Sharma stating that practice of political parties offering cash benefits purportedly in lieu of votes is against the spirit of Section 123 of the Representation of …

No free power in Delhi now: AAP's free electricity 'lollypop' lost its relevance?
2 years, 7 months ago

No free power in Delhi now: AAP's free electricity 'lollypop' lost its relevance?

India TV News  

Highlights Delhi CM Kejriwal announced a change in AAP's big populist measure - free electricity Now cheap electricity will be optional in Delhi, as per Kejriwal's announcement Power subsidy will be given to those who ask for subsidised power from October 1 Delhi free electricity: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced a change in Aam Aadmi Party's big …

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