Politics in India has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, and unfortunately, much of that evolution has taken a direction that weakens—not strengthens—the democratic spirit. The idea of public service has gradually eroded and, in many regions, disappeared entirely from political consciousness. What we witness today is a model where political power is pursued as a personal entitlement, and elections have become extravagant performances rather than thoughtful exercises of democratic will.
One of the most troubling trends within this landscape is the growing culture of freebies—cash transfers, material goods, and incentives distributed during or before elections to attract voters. These promises are presented as welfare, but in reality, many of them function as vote-buying mechanisms designed to manipulate public emotion and secure power. The long-term consequences are almost always ignored. Beneath the surface, these freebies place a massive burden on the nation’s finances, distort public expectations, weaken institutions, and ultimately hinder long-term development.
The Growing Divide Between Political Promises and Governance
Before elections, leaders present themselves as servants of the people—humble, accessible, and ready to solve every grievance. Campaign speeches and rallies project them as guardians of public interest, advocates of fairness, and champions of the common citizen. Yet the moment results are announced and power is secured, this entire image collapses. Those who claimed to be protectors of democracy transform into rulers who expect obedience, not accountability.
This shift alone reveals a deep flaw in political culture: the relationship between the electorate and elected leaders has become transactional rather than participatory. Instead of genuine governance, people receive symbols—loud speeches, expensive rallies, and glittering promises. The cost of these theatrics, however, is not paid by the politicians. It is paid by the public.
The Election Marketplace: Where Votes Are Bought, Not Won
The scale of spending during Indian elections is staggering. Political parties spend billions on rallies, advertising, transportation, banners, media coverage, and, most notoriously, on distributing gifts or cash to attract votes.
The election manifesto—which ideally should outline the vision, policy framework, and development roadmap—has become a marketing brochure. Instead of focusing on governance models, economic reforms, educational advancement, job creation, healthcare development, or infrastructure planning, manifestos now highlight direct benefits:
- Free cycles
- Free laptops
- Free scooters
- Free electricity
- Cash transfers
- Free ration beyond reasonable limits
- Loan waivers
- Free appliances or gadgets
These announcements trigger excitement among sections of the population, especially those who struggle economically. And who can blame them? When life is burdened with financial difficulty, any relief feels like a blessing. Politicians exploit exactly this vulnerability.
The Psychology Behind the Freebie Culture
Even educated individuals often fall into the trap of accepting freebies. Part of this is rooted in the Indian cultural mindset:
If something free is being distributed anywhere, take it—even if you don’t need it and even if it harms you long-term.
There is a natural human attraction to immediate gains. Free cash in the bank account today seems more appealing than long-term investment in public infrastructure or job creation that may benefit the next generation. Politicians understand this behavioral tendency and use it to their advantage.
Thus, freebies become a quick and effective way to influence voter preferences. The electorate becomes conditioned to expect free goods instead of demanding quality governance. Gradually, people forget that government money is not charity—it is taxpayers’ money, including their own.
The Hidden Burden Behind Freebies
Every free cycle, every free laptop, every cash transfer comes from someone’s pocket. Governments do not generate wealth; they collect and redistribute it through taxation. When political parties announce free schemes worth thousands or millions of crores, they are not spending their personal fortune. They are spending money collected from:
- The salaried class
- Small business owners
- Farmers
- Daily wage laborers (through indirect taxes)
- Service providers
- Startups and entrepreneurs
- The entire working population
Thus, billions of people end up paying for the election promises aimed at benefiting a few million.
The worst part is that there is no accountability. If a company pays employees monthly salaries, employees work in return and produce value. But in the freebie model, the government gives money without expecting any contribution back. This is not welfare; it is a distortion of economic logic.
A sustainable welfare model should ensure:
- People receive financial assistance when truly needed.
- They have opportunities to contribute to the economy.
- The nation grows through their participation.
But distributing money with no connection to economic productivity leads to stagnation.
A Smarter Alternative: Jobs, Not Just Free Money
Imagine a model where instead of distributing freebies, governments invest in:
- Job creation programs
- Skill development
- Infrastructure projects
- Research and innovation
- Rural employment schemes
- Manufacturing expansions
- Technology hubs
- Education quality improvement
If the government provides jobs and ensures people can earn with dignity, any financial support provided becomes justified—because people become part of the nation-building process.
This would mean:
- Citizens receive income.
- They gain skills and experience.
- Their work contributes to productivity.
- The economy grows.
Freebies in their current form do not create progress; they create dependency. They push people away from employment and towards political patronage.
Election Commission: An Observer or a Silent Spectator?
One might expect the Election Commission of India to step in and regulate the freebie culture. After all, the integrity of elections should be its top priority. Yet, election after election, the distribution of freebies intensifies, not diminishes.
The Election Commission appears as an independent body on paper, but in practice, its effectiveness often seems compromised. Its silence on excessive freebie announcements raises troubling questions. Whether under central or state governments, bureaucratic institutions often behave like extensions of the ruling class. As long as the ruling government benefits, no strict measures are taken to curb excessive or irresponsible promises.
A Democracy at Risk: Institutions Turn Into Puppets
In a healthy democracy, institutions serve as checks and balances. But when institutions operate under political pressure, the larger system weakens.
Across India, many central and state agencies claim to be protectors of the constitution and fairness. Yet their actions often suggest alignment with the ruling power, not with constitutional duty. Freebie culture continues unchecked partly because these institutions fail to act independently.
When election promises are used to manipulate voters rather than uplift them, democracy becomes distorted. The result:
- Short-term benefits overshadow long-term development.
- Voter expectations shift from policies to payments.
- Politicians become distributors, not leaders.
- People become receivers, not empowered citizens.
The Hard Question: Who Ultimately Pays the Price?
While a small group receives free incentives, the financial burden is placed on:
- Billions of taxpayers
- Future generations
- Working professionals
- Students entering the job market
- Entrepreneurs facing rising taxes
- Pensioners relying on stable economic conditions
The irony is that many people who cheer for freebies are also the ones indirectly paying for them. Free electricity today may lead to power shortages or inflated tariffs tomorrow. Free bus travel today may result in poorly maintained transport systems. Cash transfers may lead to inflation, devaluing everyone’s income.
It becomes a cycle where society pays more but receives less.
Freebies Are Not Welfare—They Are Political Investment
True welfare targets:
- The poor
- The elderly
- Persons with disabilities
- Widows
- Orphans
- Disaster-affected families
- Vulnerable communities
Freebies, however, target voters—not always the needy. They are a form of political investment disguised as public service.
What distinguishes welfare from freebie?
- Welfare uplifts.
- Freebies pacify.
Welfare builds capability.
Freebies build dependency.
Welfare prepares a nation for the future.
Freebies prepare politicians for the next election.
The Economic Consequences: A Slow but Inevitable Decline
Freebies drain public finances and lead to:
- Higher taxes
- Rising debt
- Budget deficits
- Reduced funds for infrastructure
- Lower investments in education and health
- Delayed national projects
- Slow economic growth
India already struggles with unemployment, educational inequality, healthcare shortages, and infrastructural gaps. Yet billions are spent on items that do nothing to fix these problems.
Freebies and Moral Decline: The Erosion of Responsibility
A deeper consequence is the shift in mindset among citizens. When people begin expecting freebies routinely, a sense of entitlement develops. Effort and hard work appear less attractive than political loyalty or waiting for the next government handout.
Over time, this weakens the character of society. Nations do not progress merely by giving people things—they progress by creating opportunities that encourage people to strive, innovate, and contribute.
India Needs Long-Term Vision, Not Short-Term Vote Banks
If India aims to become a major global economy, it requires:
- Investment in science and technology
- Strong educational reforms
- Encouragement of entrepreneurship
- Industrial expansion
- Research funding
- Transparent governance
- Empowered institutions
- Skilled workforce development
But these goals become difficult when political leadership is more focused on distributing gifts than building capacity.
The Way Forward: Replacing Freebies With Sustainable Welfare
India needs a welfare model where benefits are tied to public growth, not political gain. This means:
- Creating jobs instead of giving cash
- Improving schools instead of distributing laptops alone
- Building hospitals rather than offering temporary health cards
- Providing skill training rather than giving free motorcycles
- Strengthening rural infrastructure instead of one-time grants
Such an approach benefits both citizens and the country. It reduces dependency and builds an empowered population capable of contributing to national progress.
Conclusion
Freebies in India have become a political strategy that places a heavy burden on billions to satisfy a select few. While these giveaways may seem attractive in the moment, they erode economic stability, weaken democratic integrity, distort public expectations, and obstruct long-term development.
A nation grows when its citizens are empowered—not pacified. When people work with dignity—not wait for political charity. When leaders lead with vision—not with gifts.
If India is to rise as a developed nation, it must move away from the culture of freebies and toward a future built on opportunity, effort, and collective progress.
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