New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the state government for adopting freebies culture, saying these pre-election handouts hamper economic development.
In a strong statement, the top court said that most of the states are revenue deficit but are yet offering such freebies overlooking development. It said it was high time to revisit such policies that hamper the country’s economic development.
“Economic development of nation will be hampered with this kind of largesse distribution,” a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi observed.
‘Open avenues for jobs’
The bench called on the states to try to open avenues for employment instead of giving free food, cycles, electricity to all.
Taking note of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd’s plea, which proposed to provide free electricity to all irrespective of financial status of consumers, the top court said it was quite understandable if states hand-hold the poor.
“What kind of culture are we developing in India? It is understandable that as part of the welfare measure you want to provide to those who are incapable of pay the electricity charges,” the bench asked.
“But without drawing a distinction between those who can afford and those who cannot, you start distributing. Will it not amount to an appeasing policy,” the CJI asked.
The apex court further asked if states would give free food, cycle, and electricity, then nobody would be willing to work. It said that states, instead of spending on development projects, are doing two jobs – paying salaries and distributing such largesse.