Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 16: SSP. Col SS Pathania, President Sainik Samaj Party, JKUT expressed his concern and pain on politics of giving freebies, to lure the people for consolidation of vote bank, with the aim of victory in elections. Origin of freebies can be traced back to southern states, particularly in Tamil Nadu. lt starred in 50s, mainly with free education and meals, and has spread across the country over a period of time. Now it includes sarees, laptops, TVs, Cycles, free electricity, free water, cash and plethora of other items. Allthese freebies, being given on the name of people's welfare is out of the tax payers money and is adversely affecting, already crippled economy of the nation. Subtle difference between welfare state and dotling out of freebies must be clearly worked out by involvement of people, by the government. Supreme courthas termed it a serious problem, while dealing with the public interest litigation filed on the subject. A political debate is also raging amidst the political parties accusing each other of distributing" readies". All political parties must deliberate in parliament and finalize a legislature, which bans the use of public money, for distribution of freebies. Political parties, however, can use their Party funds, if required. Our economy is in deep trouble and foreign reserves are rapidly falling, hence it necessitates urgent corrective Measures. We must learn lessons from our neighbor's Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan who are facing unprecedented economic crisis and people are suffering immensely. People of the nation too must come forward and reject the political parties, luring them with freebies, which if continue will cause irreparable. |
