Social Welfare and Freebies in Political Discourse

 

Ever since the announcement of the 17^th Loksabha election schedule by the Election Commission, a googolplex amount of digital data (energy-guzzling medium) has been created, generated, and consumed by the Oceanic amount of space that is finding its place in various social media posts and so also on the What's App group chats.

Dime a dozen amount of forwards - some with heavy images videos and data - are getting circulated in social media and so also are animated discussions that have populated the Whats App groups. Tigers 77 is one such Whats App group, made up of members from the 1977 batch of Sainik School Bijapur students, and yours truly is one of its members. Yesterday, the group was engaged in a highly animated discussion on the forthcoming Lok Sabha election and one of the points discussed was the election manifestos of the parties. During this discussion, an interesting debate unfolded on the election manifestos of BJP and Congress, the two main Political parties. There was a heated debate on social welfare measures/freebies that formed a part of their election manifesto. Those in support of the ruling party justified the election manifesto of the BJP including the promises made in the manifesto. The opponents, however, dubbed the BJP party and their manifesto as a Jhoomla and their leader a dictator. The supporters of Congress tried to justify the promises made by the Congress in their manifesto. There was discussion on the economic ramifications of the election manifestos on the country. Even amidst a heated debate, one common understanding was that in the long term freebies are destined to create problems for the nation and this post of mine is an outcome of our discussion.

In one of my blog posts last year, written on December 13, I had posted about the tragedy of the commons. The concept of the “Tragedy of Commons,” famously elucidated by an ecologist, Garrett Hardin, serves as a poignant warning against the depletion of shared resources due to individual self-interest. Hardin’s thesis posits that when multiple individuals or groups act in their own self-interest without regard for the common good, they inevitably deplete or degrade a shared resource, leading to long-term detrimental consequences for all. Here is a link to that blog.

https://khened.blogspot.com/2023/12/13-december-tragedy-of-commons.html

I am taking this premise forward to address the subject matter in the context of the 17^th Lok Sabha Elections and its impact.

Social welfare mechanisms in an election manifesto typically entail sustainable policies aimed at uplifting marginalized communities through education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social safety nets. These measures are designed to address systemic inequalities and promote long-term development. However, there lies a thin line between what social welfare measures and what one could call freebies.

Freebies often refer to short-term populist measures that provide immediate benefits without addressing underlying issues. While they may garner short-term support, they can strain government finances and undermine economic stability if not carefully managed.

Both NDA and I.N.D.I.A must therefore strike a balance between addressing societal needs through welfare programs and avoiding unsustainable practices that could lead to economic distress. Sustainable policies prioritize investment in human capital and infrastructure while fostering economic growth, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for all citizens.

The “Tragedy of Commons” provides a profound understanding of human behavior and its impact on communal resources. This holds critical relevance beyond environmental contexts, extending into the socio-political arena, particularly in the context of our subject matter and electoral politics and practices in India.

India, the world’s largest democracy, is currently in the throes of election fervor, with political parties vying for power through populist measures and promises of freebies. However, amidst the clamor for votes and electoral victories, there lies a perilous path paved with the allure of freebies and short-term gains, ignoring the looming specter of economic ruin and societal degradation akin to the Venezuelan example.

Venezuela once hailed as an economic powerhouse in Latin America, descended into chaos and destitution as successive governments implemented populist policies, including extensive freebie programs. By lavishing free goods and services upon its citizens without sustainable economic foundations, Venezuela unwittingly propelled itself into a downward spiral of hyperinflation, scarcity, and social unrest. The tragic outcome serves as a sobering reminder of the perils of sacrificing long-term economic stability at the altar of short-term political gains.

In the Indian context, the proliferation of freebies, ranging from subsidized food grains and healthcare to loan waivers and cash transfers, has become a cornerstone of electoral strategies. While these promises may garner short-term electoral dividends, their long-term repercussions threaten to undermine the very fabric of the nation’s economic resilience and social cohesion. The Tragedy of Commons, as articulated by Hardin, elucidates the inherent flaw in the culture of freebies perpetuated by political parties. Just as individuals exploiting shared resources lead to their depletion, political parties indulging in reckless populism jeopardize the nation’s fiscal health and social equilibrium.

By pandering to immediate gratification and neglecting the imperative of responsible governance, they squander the collective wealth and well-being of future generations. Moreover, the insidious nature of freebies breeds a culture of dependency and entitlement, eroding the spirit of self-reliance and innovation that are indispensable for national progress. Instead of fostering a culture of empowerment and sustainable development, the proliferation of freebies engenders a vicious cycle of dependency, wherein citizens become passive recipients rather than active participants in the nation’s growth story.

To avert the impending Tragedy of Commons in the realm of Indian politics, a paradigm shift is imperative. Political discourse must transcend the allure of short-term electoral gains and embrace a vision of inclusive growth and responsible governance. Rather than succumbing to the temptation of populist measures, political leaders must chart a course guided by prudence, foresight, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.

In conclusion, the Tragedy of Commons serves as a poignant allegory for the perils of political populism and the unsustainable pursuit of freebies in Indian elections. By heeding the lessons of history, particularly the cautionary tale of Venezuela, and embracing a holistic approach to governance rooted in fiscal discipline and social equity, India can navigate the treacherous waters of electoral politics toward a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come and look forward to India that is Bharat becoming a developed nation on or before we celebrate our centenary of Indian independence.