Freebies—who doesn’t love them? Free gas cylinders, free power, free scholarships, free money. Sounds like a utopian dream, right? Wrong! These electoral bonanzas are slowly turning into an economic disaster that threatens the very foundation of democracy. While political leaders stand on podiums, making grand promises that sound sweeter than a candy store, the grim reality is that every “freebie” comes at a cost—one that the middle class, future generations, and businesses will be forced to bear.
The Great Freebie Circus: An Election Gimmick Turned Economic Catastrophe
Political parties across India have mastered the art of “buying” votes with grand announcements of freebies. A shining example of this is Maharashtra’s recent poll promises that have left the state government staring at an astronomical debt of ₹7.8 lakh crore—a sum that is nearly twice the state’s revenue for 2024-25.
The government had enthusiastically announced the following welfare schemes in its pre-poll budget:
- ₹96,000 crore under the Ladki Bahin Yojana
- Free power for agricultural pumps
- Scholarships for economically weaker section (EWS) girls
- Free gas cylinders for 52 lakh households
However, after the elections, someone finally did the math and realized that these schemes would push the debt into uncharted territory, leading to a financial mess that would affect every citizen.
The Economic Ripple Effect: When Freebies Backfire
While politicians claim these freebies uplift the poor, the reality is that their long-term consequences are brutal. Here’s why:
1. The Freebie Money Has to Come From Somewhere
Maharashtra’s projected revenue for 2024-25 is ₹4.99 lakh crore, while its planned expenses before these schemes stood at ₹5 lakh crore. So, where will the additional ₹7.8 lakh crore debt come from? Three terrifying possibilities:
- Raising Public Debt
- Getting Central Government Grants
- Raising Local Taxes and Fines
2. Rising Public Debt = Sinking Economy
To fund these giveaways, governments borrow money. More debt leads to higher interest rates, squeezing liquidity from the system. Maharashtra’s current debt already stands at ₹2 lakh crore, with a fiscal deficit exceeding 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). By adding another ₹7.8 lakh crore, the cost of borrowing for businesses and individuals will skyrocket, further fueling inflation.
3. Higher Taxes & Fines: Guess Who Pays?
When the government is drowning in debt, it does what it does best—squeezes money from the taxpayers. And who will bear the brunt? You guessed it—the middle class. Taxes on fuel, property, goods, services, and even fines for minor infractions will increase to cover these extravagant promises. What seemed like a generous freebie turns into an expensive curse for hardworking citizens.
The Illusion of “Free”: The Hidden Cost of Handouts
Freebies are never truly free. They come at a heavy price paid by the economy and the taxpayers. Consider these alarming consequences:
- Less money for essential infrastructure projects like roads, hospitals, and education.
- Weaker private sector investment due to high-interest rates and reduced capital availability.
- A debt trap that future generations will be forced to pay for, thanks to reckless political spending.
The Big Political Trick: Buy Votes Now, Worry Later
Politicians aren’t exactly worried about economic sustainability. They have one job—win elections. If offering a “free” gas cylinder secures votes, who cares if it bankrupts the treasury? The cycle repeats every five years, with political parties outbidding each other in the Freebie Olympics. By the time the economic damage surfaces, the leaders responsible are long gone, leaving the financial mess for the next government (and the taxpayers) to clean up.
Lessons for the Public: Freebies and Your Own Finances
If there’s one takeaway from this freebie culture, it’s the importance of financial planning. Governments that overspend without considering long-term consequences end up in crises. The same logic applies to personal finances:
- Don’t spend impulsively based on short-term gratification.
- Always budget for unplanned expenses to avoid financial ruin.
- Avoid debt traps by living within your means rather than relying on “free” money.
The Freebie Panel: An Attempt to Contain the Damage
Recognizing the looming economic crisis, Maharashtra has decided to set up a panel to streamline payouts and eliminate duplicate beneficiaries. While this is a step in the right direction, it’s merely a band-aid for a hemorrhaging economy.
The Bottom Line: Say No to Freebie Culture!
The next time you hear a politician promising free power, free money, or free benefits, ask yourself: Who is actually paying for this? Because in the end, the real cost of freebies isn’t measured in money—it’s measured in a weaker economy, higher taxes, and an uncertain future.
Freebies aren’t acts of generosity; they are traps. They might win votes, but they destroy democracy, cripple economies, and create an unsustainable future. It’s time for voters to reject short-term gimmicks and demand responsible governance over reckless handouts.
So, the next time a politician tries to lure you with freebies, just remember: nothing is truly free—except the lies they tell you.