Freebies in Indian Politics About: Political parties promise | Deepak UPSC Notes

Freebies in Indian Politics

About: Political parties promise to offer free electricity/water supply, monthly allowance to unemployed, daily wage workers and women as well as gadgets like laptops, smartphones etc. in order to secure the vote of the people. There are arguments both in favor of and against this practice: 

Supporters of such freebies argue that pole promises are essential for voters to know what the party would do if it comes to power and they have the chance to weigh these options.

Those against the freebies point out that this places a huge economic burden on the exchequer of state as well as center (if the elections are held for Lok Sabha).