Political Power and Social Welfare
In his novel Sybil, or the Two Nations, Benjamin Disraeli emphasizes that the primary duty of power is to ensure the social welfare of the people.
Freebies in Political Campaigns
Recent political campaigns, such as those in Delhi, have seen parties offering various freebies, including:
- Free rations for over 80 crore citizens under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
- Direct transfers amounting to Rs 34 lakh crore.
- Loans worth Rs 27 lakh crore under the PM Mudra Yojana.
- Easy credit for 63 lakh street vendors through the PM SVANidhi Scheme.
These measures raise questions about whether they are genuine welfare initiatives or merely inducements for votes, as they may hinder employment generation and economic growth.
Economic Challenges
Many states are facing financial difficulties, affecting developmental schemes. For instance:
- Maharashtra admitted funding issues for the Ladki Bahin scheme.
- Gujarat struggles with educational funding, facing shortages in teachers and infrastructure.
Despite claims of 25 crore citizens rising out of poverty and 17 crore jobs created, the reliance on freebies is questioned.
Constituent Assembly Debates on Socialism
The debate on declaring India a socialist state was rejected. Key points include:
- K T Shah advocated for equal justice and opportunity, while B R Ambedkar emphasized that policy and societal organization should be determined by the people.
- Damodar Swarup Seth highlighted the need for a socialist order to protect the masses from exploitation.
Democracy and Economic Equity
Speakers like J B Kripalani stressed the need for economic democracy to complement political democracy. The concept of a welfare state was discussed, aiming for equal opportunities and wealth distribution.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court case S Subramaniam Balaji v. State of Tamil Nadu justified freebies, prompting introspection on India's status as a model welfare state amidst poverty and inequality. E M Forster's sentiment on democracy highlights the need for critical evaluation.