Problems of Freebies in Indian Election

 Problems of Freebies in Indian Election

In the vibrant landscape of Indian politics, the distribution of freebies has become a common practice in political parties seeking electoral success. Freebies—ranging from mixers, grinders, laptops, cycles and even cash handouts—have been an integral part of electoral campaigns. However, this practice raises several crucial concerns, challenging the very essence of democratic governance.

•The Promise and Perils of Freebies

While freebies might seem attractive on the surface and act as a vote-winning strategy, their long-term implications often tend to undermine the democratic process. Parties often promise these gifts to attract voters, inadvertently fostering a culture of dependency and short-term gains over sustainable development.

One of the most significant drawbacks of freebies is their impact on the economy. The allocation of funds for these schemes diverts resources that could otherwise be directed toward infrastructure, education, healthcare, or other crucial sectors for the nation’s development. The financial burden created by the provision of freebies can strain state budgets, leading to potential fiscal deficits and stunted economic growth.

Moreover, the short-sightedness of freebies often overshadows the larger issues affecting the country. While a household might benefit momentarily from a free TV or a cooking appliance, these items pale in comparison to the necessity of quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities that foster sustainable growth for all citizens.

•The Vote-Bank Conundrum

The distribution of freebies also skews the principles of fair and informed voting. Instead of choosing a candidate based on their vision, integrity, or policies, voters might lean towards the candidate who offers immediate material gain. This practice undermines the essence of democracy, where the focus should ideally be on the candidate's capability and the party's vision for comprehensive societal development.

Furthermore, this strategy often leads to the perpetuation of a culture of electoral appeasement. Parties, in a bid to outdo each other, end up engaging in a vicious cycle of offering more extravagant freebies, which may not be sustainable in the long run.

•Towards a Sustainable Political Landscape

The need of the hour is a shift in the narrative of electoral campaigning. Political parties should concentrate on presenting comprehensive policies and plans for long-term growth and development. Empowering citizens through education, skill development, employment opportunities and robust healthcare systems should be at the forefront of any political agenda.

It is crucial for the Election Commission and other regulatory bodies to impose stricter guidelines to curb the freebie culture during elections. Implementing stringent regulations could ensure a fair and transparent election process, where the focus shifts from material gains to informed decision-making.

In conclusion, the prevalent culture of freebies in Indian elections poses a threat to the very foundation of democratic governance. It's imperative for political parties, policymakers and citizens to acknowledge the pitfalls of such practices and work collectively towards a more sustainable, transparent, and development-oriented electoral landscape. True progress lies not in short-term incentives but in comprehensive, enduring policies that uplift the entire nation.


@iilmuniversity 

@iilm.ac.in

@rikshita.hota.bt26@iilm.edu 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

COMMUNISM VS. CAPITALISM: A COMPARISION OF IDEOLOGIES

  COMMUNISM VS. CAPITALISM: A COMPARISON OF IDEOLOGIES The ideologies of communism and capitalism have shaped world politics, economies and societies for over a century, influencing everything from governance systems to cultural attitudes. Each system presents a unique approach to economic management, property rights, wealth distribution, and the role of government, and both have garnered passionate supporters and critics alike. Here’s a deeper look into the core principles, strengths, and criticisms of communism and capitalism, and how each shapes the societies that adopt them. 1. Core Ideals and Principles • Communism : Communism is based on the idea of creating a classless, stateless society where resources are shared equitably among all citizens. The central tenet of communism, as developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, is that wealth and resources should be owned collectively by the people, eliminating private ownership of major industries and resources. Communism seeks ...
Read more

THE RISE OF REMOTE WORK: A NEW WAY OF WORKING

  THE RISE OF REMOTE WORK: A NEW WAY OF WORKING Remote work has gone from being a rare perk to a fundamental shift in how we work. With technology making it easier to stay connected and the pandemic accelerating its adoption, working from home has become the norm for many. It has reshaped the traditional office setup, bringing a mix of benefits and challenges. Why Remote Work is a Game Changer 1. Getting More Done One of the biggest perks of working remotely is increased productivity. Without long commutes, constant office chatter, and unnecessary meetings, many people find they can get more done in less time. Studies back this up—remote workers often perform better than their office-based counterparts. 2. A Better Work-Life Balance Having the freedom to set your schedule means you can take care of personal tasks, spend time with family, or even fit in a midday workout. This flexibility reduces stress and leads to greater job satisfaction. 3. Saving Money Both companies and employe...
Read more

IILM UNIVERSITY

                  IILM UNIVERSITY  IILM University, Greater Noida, is a distinguished institution nestled in the heart of Knowledge Park II. Having a large area campus with modern infrastructure and facilities university provides a broad range of courses for graduation and post graduation degree. Lets talk about facilities:- Campus and Classrooms The university's architecture is a testament to contemporary design, featuring spacious, air-conditioned classrooms with wifi connection. The library boasts a vast collection of over 22,000 books, journals, and digital resources, catering to diverse academic interests . Hostel and Mess Facilities Understanding the importance of comfortable living, IILM provides separate, well-furnished hostels for boys and girls. These accommodations come with amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, RO and water purifiers. The on-campus mess serves a variety of hygienic and nutritious meals, ensuring students...
Read more