New Delhi, The Supreme Court on Tuesday made strong remarks regarding the announcement of free schemes by state governments. Justice B.R. A bench of Justices Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih said that governments flood the government with freebies at the time of elections, but when it comes to salaries and pensions of judges, financial constraints are cited.
The Supreme Court bench asked Attorney General R. Responding to the argument made by Venkataramani, he said, “The state has money to give freebies to people who do not do any work. But when it comes to the judiciary, the excuse given is lack of funds.”
Question on Ladli Brahmin Yojana
Specifically mentioning the “Laadli Brahmin Yojana” and other such schemes, the bench said that announcing them during election time has become a part of politics. The Supreme Court said, “Every other party in Delhi announces at the time of elections that they will give Rs 2500 if they come to power. This trend is worrying.”
Programs like “Laadli Behna Yojana” are launched by state governments with the aim of economically empowering women. However, the Supreme Court raised questions on these schemes whether they were made only to get votes? The court also asked where the funds for such schemes come from, and it is necessary to ensure that they reach the right needy.
Supreme Court’s comment on pension
The Supreme Court also expressed displeasure over the fact that some retired High Court judges are getting a pension of only ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. The court termed it a “pathetic” situation and said it was not good for the dignity of the judiciary.
The court said, “It is ironical that when the issue of pension and salaries of judges comes up, the government faces ‘financial constraints’. But during election time there is a flood of free schemes. Why this double attitude?”
The equation of politics and freebies
Free schemes have been used in politics to garner votes. Central and state governments often announce such programs during election seasons. The Supreme Court said that this trend needs to be controlled as it not only weighs heavily on the government exchequer, but it also affects long-term economic plans.
Experts believe that the announcement of free schemes is meant to increase immediate popularity, but these schemes often fail to address social and economic inequality.
public reaction
After the Supreme Court’s comments, this issue has become hot on social media. Many people supported the court’s statement, while some said that the free schemes are necessary for the needy.
One user wrote on Twitter, “The court rightly said that freebies are only a way to get votes. “Long-term solutions are needed to help those in need.”
On the other hand, some people argue that schemes like “Ladli Brahmin Yojana” are necessary to help the deprived sections of the society.
truth of election promises
Experts believe that the promises made under election announcements often remain half-fulfilled. It is easy to announce free schemes, but implementing them effectively is a big challenge.
The issue of “freebies” also came up during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Many states promised free laptops, gas cylinders, and cash benefits to woo voters. However, many of these schemes remained only on paper.
solution to the problem
The Supreme Court has appealed to the governments to show responsibility while announcing free schemes. Furthermore, it must be ensured that these schemes reach the genuine needy.
“If state governments want to provide freebies, they should ensure that its impact is long-lasting and that it benefits all sections of the society,” the court said.
