This is with reference to the report "Elections: SC calls for expert panel to regulate freebies - The Goan Everyday August 4, 2022." Much has been written, spoken and debated on the issue of freebies offered by political parties. And now, the matter has reached the Supreme Court as well. So what is all this about freebies? One would note that freebies are offered at election time, offering everything from free clothing to free electricity to free cash. As citizens, we need to ask ourselves, do we need freebies in order to cast our vote? Politicians need to ask themselves, do they need to offer freebies only in order to win elections, to gain power? Is it only about getting freebies & gaining power? What about 'good governance?' What about ethics & morality? What about the trust of the citizens? What how the fundamental rights of citizens? What about peace & harmony? The list could go on. And, we are concerned only with freebies? No thought seems to be given to the impact on the voters, on the economy. The reality is, there is no free lunch. If you're getting something free, somebody else is paying for it. It's time to put a complete full stop to freebies. According to the news report, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says, these populist promises have an adverse effect on voters. This is how we head for economic disasters. That seems to say it all! We need to eradicate this evil of freebies!
