Are freebies creating a class of parasites: SC

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday strongly criticised the practice of political parties announcing "freebies" before elections, warning that such measures might discourage people from working and contributing to the nation's development, while creating a class of "parasites".

- Utkarsh Anand

NEW DELHI:

"Unfortunately, because of these freebies... the people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations. They are getting amounts without doing any work... Aren't we creating a class of parasites?" a bench, comprising justices Bhushan R Gavai and AG Masih, remarked.

Hearing a case related to night shelters for the homeless, the bench added: "Unfortunately, because of these freebies, which come on the anvil of the elections...some Ladki Bahin and some other scheme, people are not willing to work. They are getting free ration, they are getting amount without any work, why should they work?... But would it not be better to make them a part of the mainstream of society and permit them to contribute to the development of the nation?"

Responding, advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for one of the petitioners in the matter, said that there is hardly anybody in the country who would not want to work if there is some work.

To be sure, most welfare schemes involving direct transfers are targeted at the poor, though, in many cases, they do not do a good job of weeding out ineligible beneficiaries. Maharashtra, for instance, is trying to crack down on ineligible beneficiaries of its Ladki Bahin scheme.