Interview Times 
Freebie politics in India is a phenomenon where political parties promise various freebies to the citizens in exchange for votes. This practice is prevalent in many states of India, especially during the election season. The freebies can range from essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing to non-essential ones such as televisions, laptops, and smartphones.
The concept of freebies in politics has been in existence for a long time. However, it gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s when several states, such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, started offering free electricity, subsidized rice, and other essential commodities to the poor. The rationale behind these schemes was to reduce poverty and ensure the basic needs of the people were met.
Over time, the concept of freebies has evolved into a vote bank strategy. Political parties have realized that offering freebies can be an effective way to garner votes, especially from the lower-income groups. Therefore, during the election season, political parties make various promises to the voters, such as waiving off loans, providing free healthcare, and offering subsidies on various services.
The practice of freebie politics has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, freebies can help reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of the poor. For instance, schemes such as the mid-day meal program and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) have been successful in reducing poverty and generating employment opportunities.
However, on the negative side, freebies can have adverse effects on the economy. The cost of implementing these schemes is borne by the government, which can lead to fiscal deficits and inflation. Moreover, freebies can create a culture of dependency, where people become reliant on the government for their basic needs.
In conclusion, freebie politics has become an integral part of Indian politics. While it can help reduce poverty and improve living conditions, it can also have adverse effects on the economy. Therefore, political parties should strike a balance between providing essential services and maintaining fiscal discipline. Moreover, citizens should also be aware of the long-term consequences of freebies and vote for parties that offer a sustainable approach to governance.
