Is Freebie Culture the New Reality of Indian Politics Today? 

Ms. Mouli Chakraborty

Asst. Professor Of Political Science

(Department of Arts and Humanities)

 Freebie culture, from time and again, has become integral to many democratic and non-democratic political systems. Often such acts are associated with social welfare. But to what extent freebie culture is acceptable and good for a democratic system? 

Some political scientists and economists from time and again describe “freebie” as a “fiscal disaster”[i] while others disagree about the long-term effects of free giveaways on voter decisions. For instance, Former Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana, has expressed his faith among voters that they prefer dignified earnings rather than freebies when they have a chance.[ii]

Over the last few Lok Sabha and regional elections, both the incumbent government at the centre and regional levels, along with the opposition parties, have toppled the issue of freebies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has coined ‘Revadi Culture’ questioning the measures taken by Samajwadi and Aam aadmi Party at regional levels. In return, the Former Delhi Chief Minister also alleged the BJP of bribing the voters. 

The Reality of Freebie Culture

“Freebie” in short are products or services offered free of cost. The practice of free giveaways is not only unique to India’s case but also practiced in Western and other South Asian countries. In the UK, the freebie gate is associated with Tory and Labour party scandals that allow MPs to receive money and presents. Such acts definitely question the matter of transparency. However, the nature of Freebie Culture in the Indian context is somehow different. 

In India, Freebies are often wrongly intertwined with Social Welfarism thereby manipulating voting behaviour. With the rise of coalition politics, Party manifestos are more inclined towards free monetary or materialistic assurances. This influences people to look for short-term benefits and establish a system of “Bribing the Voters.” 

Welfarism and Freebies in India 

The Welfarism in Indian context goes back to the values presented in the Constitution of India. The Directive Principles of the State Policy (Part 4 of the Constitution) acknowledges the role of the State in assuring better opportunities for Work, lifestyle, and education. Later, in the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, values like Socialism were added to the preamble. So, social Welfarism itself highlights the role of the State in uplifting the society wherever and whenever necessary. 

Several initiatives, including Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Maternity Benefits Act, 1961, Indira Awas Yojna, later restructured as Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojna (the flagship Housing for All initiative); and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005; are counted among the major welfare based programs. 

However, in the last 10-15 years, for electoral purposes, Political Parties have been promoting freebies targeting mainly minorities, women, and those belonging to the lower strata of society. But the question remains when freebies deviate from the Government’s welfare policies. Firstly, Welfare schemes are based on practical promises while freebies are some of  unviable political commitments. 

For Instance, ensuring a minimum of 100 days of work and pay for informal sector workers is needed as it not only addresses the issue of Poverty but also generates Employment. However, any commitment to depositing a fixed amount of money to any community or Women’s bank account monthly leads to an increased fiscal deficit. Such as Lokkhir Bhandar by TMC in West Bengal and BJP’s assurances in Maharashtra Election Manifesto are still debatable. 

Past Freebie Practices in Indian Politics 

There are innumerable examples of Freebie acts being time and again used and misused by political parties. Freebies are referred to by a specific school of thought as populist measures that do not have any long-term goals. The other school would support Freebies in the name of welfare. According to them, any criticism of such acts is in itself Elitist in nature as everyone deserves basic amenities for empowerment and welfare. 

Amidst the tussle, Indian Politics at the National, State, and Regional levels is witnessing a major wave of free commitments. Numerous Governmental commitments such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Public Distribution System (PDS) launching fair shops for basic rations and cooking gases at subsidized rates (Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojna) have witnessed long-term positive impacts on society. 

The major concern has been the escalation of these policies without any long-term economic strategies. The DMK party in 2006 upheld the freebie trend by offering voters colored televisions. Under the present PMGKY scheme, the central government is promising to continue the free providence of food grains to 81.35 crore Indians.[iii] In the 2024 Delhi election, Kejriwal, representing the Aam Aadmi Party, promised free electricity, free water, and free pilgrimage promises to the citizens. 

In West Bengal, major policies including Lokkhir Bhandar ( depositing 1000/- monthly to women’s accounts), Sabooj Sathe (free bicycles for communication of students at government schools), Kanyashree (incentives for the education of girl child) are widely discussed. Taking the contemporary example, the BJP Government in the recent Maharashtra election has proposed a scheme named Ladki Behan Yojna in their manifesto.  The scheme is credited with the victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti Alliance. 

What has become common in today’s time has been a web of competitive freebies. The nature of these free giveaways is cyclical and competitive in nature, where a political party is both criticizing its opponent’s plan of freebies and also emulating for political motives.[iv]

Impact of the Freebie Culture on Democracy 

Freebies in Indian Politics are used as a weapon of political victory during the election times. The ironic part is that most of these promises in the manifesto stay unfulfilled and become an agenda for the opposition to raise in subsequent elections. 

As far as the impact on the democratic system is concerned, such a freebie wave is in itself challenging for the country. Not only does it create fiscal deficiency and a chain of corrupt practices (scams), but it also affects the voter psychology. People are expecting short-term benefits in place of questioning inflation or demanding employment rights. A government is judged based on its popular promises in the manifesto rather than reflecting on its overall performances.