Smita Mishra 
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of getting something for nothing. Politicians often promise freebies to win votes, and many of us have been tempted by the promise of free goods and services. But is this approach really beneficial in the long run? Does it foster a culture of hard work and self-sufficiency, or does it create a culture of dependency?
As the ancient proverb goes, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” This wisdom is particularly relevant in today’s society, where the value of hard work and perseverance is often overlooked in favor of quick fixes and handouts.
In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court of India raised a critical question: “Are we not creating a class of parasites?” Justice BR Gavai’s words struck a chord, highlighting the potential dangers of political parties announcing freebies before elections. But what’s the real impact of these handouts on our society?
Creating a Culture of Dependency
When political parties offer freebies, they often do so with the intention of winning votes. However, this approach can have unintended consequences. By providing free goods and services, we risk creating a culture of dependency. People may begin to rely on these handouts rather than working to achieve their goals.
As Justice Gavai pointed out, “Rather than promoting them to be a part of the mainstream of the society by contributing to the development of the nation, are we not creating a class of parasites?” This is a critical question, as it highlights the potential for freebies to undermine the very fabric of our society.
The Impact on Achievement
So, how do freebies affect our mindset for struggle and achievement? When we’re given something for free, we may feel less motivated to work hard and achieve our goals. After all, why bother struggling when someone else will provide for us?
This mindset can be particularly damaging for young people, who may miss out on valuable opportunities to develop their skills and work ethic. By relying on freebies, they may never learn the value of hard work and perseverance.
Real-Life Consequences
The consequences of this mindset can be seen in real-life scenarios. For instance, in Maharashtra, agriculturists are struggling to find laborers because of the freebies announced by the government before elections. As Justice Gavai noted, “Because of the freebies in Maharashtra, which they just announced prior to elections, agriculturists are not getting laborers.”
This is just one example of how freebies can have far-reaching consequences. By creating a culture of dependency, we risk undermining the very foundations of our economy and society.
The Role of Politicians
Politicians often use freebies as a way to win votes and gain popularity. However, this approach can be short-sighted and damaging in the long run. By focusing on providing free goods and services, politicians may be neglecting more pressing issues, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
As Justice Gavai pointed out, “Unfortunately, because of these freebies, which are declared just on the anvil of elections, like ‘Ladki Bahin’ and other schemes, people are not willing to work.” This is a critical issue, as it highlights the potential for freebies to undermine the work ethic and motivation of our citizens.
Finding a Balance
So, what’s the solution? How can we balance the need to provide support to those in need with the risk of creating a culture of dependency?
The answer lies in finding a structured approach to welfare policies. Rather than simply handing out freebies, we need to focus on providing opportunities for people to work and contribute to society.
As the Supreme Court noted, “Should it not be balanced?” This is a critical question, as it highlights the need for a nuanced approach to welfare policies.
The Importance of Education and Skills Training
One way to achieve this balance is by focusing on education and skills training. By providing people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, we can help them become more self-sufficient and less reliant on freebies.
This approach can also help to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, rather than just providing temporary solutions. By investing in education and skills training, we can help to create a more equitable and sustainable society for all.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in finding a balance between providing support and encouraging hard work and self-sufficiency. By doing so, we can create a society that values the importance of hard work and perseverance, and provides opportunities for all citizens to succeed.
