Politics of handouts: Freebies walk thin line between welfare and wasteful

Thin line between welfare and wasteful, debates on freebies always contentious,as those offering them often see them as social benefit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again sparked a debate on state-provided freebies, emphasising that the long-term consequences of such policies not only harm the economy but also society, with the poor bearing the brunt.

Populism gains momentum during election periods, and this trend is evident in at least four states: Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Along with Mizoram, these states are scheduled to hold Assembly elections in late November and early December.

Debates on political freebies are always contentious, as those offering them often see them as a form of social welfare. A more constructive approach is to