The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on the issue of freebies today. There has been an uproar in India for the last few days regarding freebies or free schemes. The Center is appealing to the states to rein in freebies. At the same time, Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party, Tamil Nadu's DNK, and Andhra's YSR Congress parties are challenging the Center in the Supreme Court on the freebies issue.
BJP leader filed public interest litigation in January 2022
In January 2022, BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay reached the Supreme Court with a PIL against freebies. In his petition, Upadhyay had appealed to voters of political parties to put a stop to promises of freebies or freebies during elections. It has demanded that the Election Commission should cancel the recognition of such parties.
The central government, agreeing with Ashwini, appealed to the Supreme Court to fix the definition of freebies. The Center said that if the distribution of freebies continues, it will lead the country to a "future economic disaster".
What happened in the Supreme Court so far?
The freebies case is being heard by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice JK Maheshwari, and Justice Hima Kohli. Let us know step by step what has happened so far in the hearing of this case…
August 03, 2022: Supreme Court says a committee should be set up to decide on the freebies issue. This includes Central, State Governments, NITI Aayog, Finance Commission, Election Commission, RBI, CAG, and political parties.
August 11, 2022: Supreme Court said, 'There is a need to feed the poor, but there is a need to balance the welfare of the people, as the economy is losing money due to freebies. We agree that there is a difference between freebies and welfare.
August 17, 2022: Court said, 'Some people say that political parties cannot be stopped from making promises to voters...Now it has to be decided what freebies are. Can healthcare for all, access to drinking water... schemes like MGNREGA, which make life better, be considered freebies?' The court asked all the parties in the matter to give their views.
August 23, 2022: The Supreme Court will hear the matter and can give some important decisions.
Election Commission shunned the issue of freebies
During the hearing in the Supreme Court, the Election Commission said that it is not in the power of the Election Commission to regulate the policies adopted by the parties on freebies. It is the policy decision of political parties to promise freebies before elections or to give them after elections. Taking any action without making rules in this regard would be an abuse of the powers of the Election Commission.
Get to know what different organizations have to say about freebies
The term freebies first appeared in American politics in the 1920s. The word freebie means something that is given to you for free.
According to the Election Commission of India, 'there is no clear legal definition of freebies.' Providing life-saving medicines, food, or money during a natural disaster or pandemic can save lives, but if given regularly, These will be called freebies.
According to the Reserve Bank of India, “freebies do not have a clear definition, but expenditure on schemes such as the Public Distribution System, the National Job Guarantee Scheme, and government-sponsored education and health, or social welfare schemes that have deep economic benefits.” They are not freebies.
According to the RBI, "free electricity, free water, free public transport, outstanding bills and loan waivers, and farmer loan waivers come with benefits such as freebies."
According to RBI, "Schemes that weaken the credit culture, worsen prices due to subsidies, reduce private investment and reduce labor force participation are freebies."
According to experts, the actual meaning of freebies depends on who, where, and when this question is being asked. What was once called freebies became the inspiration for the national plan a few years later.
For example, in the 1960s, K Kamaraj in Tamil Nadu started a scheme for free meals for school children. MG Ramachandran took it forward in 1982. It was initially criticized as freebies. Later a similar scheme became a national scheme named Mid-Day Meal.
The national scheme named National Food Security Program was launched only after Andhra Pradesh CM NT Rama Rao's rice scheme for Rs 2 a kg. The free medicine scheme launched in Tamil Nadu later became the inspiration for the National Health Scheme.
Some economists believe that as long as a state is financially strong enough to afford freebies, it is fine. If it is not, then freebies are like a burden on the economy. At the same time, some experts believe that the purpose of freebies is to trick the voters.
Where do parties get their freebie money?
Freebies from political parties like free electricity and water come from the tax money of the general public. Experts say that distributing freebies is like keeping money in your left pocket and withdrawing it from your right pocket. Freebies affect the economic condition of the state and put the government in trouble.
Also Read: Supreme Court bluntly on 'Rewari culture', only SC will decide free gift
Gujarat: PM Modi inaugurates Defense Expo, said - picture of our resolve for Amritkal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Defense Expo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on Wednesday. The objective of the program was focused on showcasing India's defense production capabilities. On
South Korea: Why was the martial law lifted in South Korea after only six hours, will the President be impeached; what next?
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yol on Tuesday announced the lifting of martial law (emergency) just hours after imposing it in the country. The surprising thing is that behind this decision, Yol had
Wrote ORIG to Orange, PON to Pawan, officers were stunned to see such English of the headmaster
These days there is a discussion of a Guru Ji in Bihar, who is in the headlines for his knowledge of Hindi, English, and Mathematics. When the inspector who came to inspect the school caught sight of
Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah-Shreyas Iyer can come to the team even before the Asia Cup, and will return to the field next month!
India has to participate in the ODI World Cup in its hosting in October-November this year. Team India will also enter the Asia Cup before that. The good news for the Indian team management ahead of
Satya Pal Malik: 'Launching' in opposition politics of Satyapal Malik, told how to defeat BJP?
A new political inning has begun in the opposition camp of Satyapal Malik, who is raining fiercely on the central government these days. At the birth centenary celebrations of Madhu Limaye, in the
Weather Report Today: Heavy rains may occur in these areas of the country, know how the weather will be in your city today
The weather patterns in the country are changing rapidly. On one hand, when it is getting cold at the night, on the other hand, people are getting relief from the sunshine during the day. According to
Will CAA be banned? The hearing will be held in the Supreme Court today, more than 200 petitions filed in protest
Citizenship Amendment Act: The petitions filed against the Citizenship Amendment Act will be heard in the Supreme Court today. More than 200 petitions have been filed against CAA. A three-judge bench
Swiggy Layoffs: More than 250 employees will be laid off in Swiggy, company may say 'bye-bye' to 3% of employees
Food delivery startup Swiggy is reportedly laying off over 250 employees this month across operations, technology, customer service, and supply chain. This decision can affect about three to five
A bumper discount is available on iPhone 13 and 14 in this platform's cell, this is how you will get the benefit
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: Republic Sale has started on Amazon and Flipkart. This sale is running on Flipkart under the name of Big Saving Days Sale. This cell is going to run till 20 January 2023. Great
Delhi Cabinet: Yamunapar's share decreased, for the first time in 27 years only 1 out of 16 MLAs got a place in the cabinet
Anything can happen in Delhi politics. For the first time in 27 years, Yamunapar's share in the Delhi government's cabinet has decreased. Out of a total of 16 assembly constituencies, Karawal Nagar
