Freebies for Some, State Responsibility for Others
Businessworld India|October 08, 2022
FREEBIES ARE IN DISCUSSION yet again, as before every election. They are being touted as an unnecessary and imprudent expenditure, accompanied by claims that nobody should be given public welfare benefits free of charge. 
V. Vijayasai Reddy
Freebies for Some, State Responsibility for Others

The criticism of freebies is based on two primary concerns – first, they affect the economics of the state as they are alleged to be a wasteful expense and second, they reduce the financial resources that can otherwise be used for other purposes. A third criticism has emerged after a writ petition was admitted by the Supreme Court that promises of freebies lure voters and are analogous to bribery and undue influence, thereby affecting democracy in the country.

Before getting into the discussion on freebies, it is important to define them. Interestingly, there is no authoritative definition of freebies. The RBI, in its Report on State Finances, states that there is no precise definition of freebies and that it is necessary to distinguish them from public/merit goods, expenditure on which brings economic benefits, such as the public distribution system, employment guarantee schemes and states’ support for education and health.

In the absence of a definition of what constitutes a freebie and the lack of constitutional competence of the Parliament and the Supreme Court to give a definition to it, a discussion on its legality is fraught with objections. In such a situation, a case-based, or rather, a statebased approach is the most valid form of assessment.

This story is from the October 08, 2022 edition of Businessworld India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 08, 2022 edition of Businessworld India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESSWORLD INDIAView All
BUDGET 2024: We Need a System Thinking Approach to Rescript the India Story
BW Businessworld

BUDGET 2024: We Need a System Thinking Approach to Rescript the India Story

While the nation is caught up in election fever, let us focus on the 2024 interim Union Budget presented by the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman. This could be a game-changing budget to rescript India’s growth story.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 06, 2024
Is India's Pet Care Market the Next Investment Hotspot?
BW Businessworld

Is India's Pet Care Market the Next Investment Hotspot?

Top-tier investors like Cred founder Kunal Shah, Mamaearth's Co-founder Varun Alagh, and ShareChat's Co-founder Farid Ahsan are among those flocking to the pet care space

time-read
4 mins  |
April 06, 2024
How New Niche Segments Are Emerging With the Help of the Tech Industry
BW Businessworld

How New Niche Segments Are Emerging With the Help of the Tech Industry

Fuelled by the harmonious integration of technological advancements and entrepreneurial ingenuity, niche domains such as astro tech, climate tech, pet care tech, and legal tech are experiencing rapid growth within the startup arena

time-read
4 mins  |
April 06, 2024
INDIA'S PET HEALTHCARE MARKET TO DOUBLE BY 2029
BW Businessworld

INDIA'S PET HEALTHCARE MARKET TO DOUBLE BY 2029

With only 30 per cent access to quality pet healthcare presently, MaxPetZ's CEO, Arun Vasudevan, believes there is ample room for expansion, positioning the sector for robust growth

time-read
2 mins  |
April 06, 2024
BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE: MARS PETCARE'S INVESTMENT & INNOVATION
BW Businessworld

BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE: MARS PETCARE'S INVESTMENT & INNOVATION

In an exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld, SALIL MURTHY, Managing Director of Mars Petcare India, analyses the growth of India's pet care sector.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 06, 2024
CARVING A NICHE IN THE PET CARE BOOM
BW Businessworld

CARVING A NICHE IN THE PET CARE BOOM

With a remarkable turnout of over 20,000 attendees in its early stages, Pet Fed has swiftly become India's leading pet festival.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 06, 2024
ZIGLY'S DRIVE FROM DISARRAY TO ORGANISED PET CARE
BW Businessworld

ZIGLY'S DRIVE FROM DISARRAY TO ORGANISED PET CARE

During a conversation with BW Business world, PANKAJ PODDAR, Group CEO of Zigly's parent company, Cosmo First, delves into the industry's increasing allure to international investors, shedding light on the startup's contribution to this trend

time-read
3 mins  |
April 06, 2024
COLLABORATIVE GROWTH & PET CARE STARTUP BOOM
BW Businessworld

COLLABORATIVE GROWTH & PET CARE STARTUP BOOM

Supertails sees the uptick in startups as an indication of the pet care industry's growth and vitality. The founders welcome other startups as partners to raise standards, innovate, and meet evolving pet parent needs of a growing industry

time-read
4 mins  |
April 06, 2024
FROM FURRY FRIENDS TO FLOURISHING BUSINESS
BW Businessworld

FROM FURRY FRIENDS TO FLOURISHING BUSINESS

RASHI SANON NARANG, Founder, Heads Up For Tails traces India's pet care sector's evolution, spotlighting its market factors, tech integration and future prospects

time-read
4 mins  |
April 06, 2024
LEADING THE PACK IN PET CARE INNOVATION
BW Businessworld

LEADING THE PACK IN PET CARE INNOVATION

Setting a benchmark with a $60m investment from L Catterton, SHASHANK SINHA, CEO of Drools Pet Food, talks of the industry's appeal to investors, the benefits of the startup surge, and the brand's visible role in this thriving industry

time-read
3 mins  |
April 06, 2024