India’s long-standing tradition of electoral freebies has once again come under scrutiny, with concerns that it fosters dependence and undermines economic self sufficiency. The debate is not new ~ governments in states especially and at the Centre have routinely announced cash giveaways, free electricity, water subsidies, and loan waivers as a means to secure votes. While such handouts offer temporary relief to struggling citizens, their long-term consequences can be damaging for both individuals and the economy.

At the heart of the issue lies a fundamental question: Are these hand-outs genuinely empowering the poor, or are they creating a cycle of dependence that discourages productivity? Critics argue that when people receive free rations, cash stipends, and other benefits without conditions, they may lose the motivation to seek employment or acquire skills. This concern was starkly reflected in the Supreme Court’s observation on Wednesday that hand-outs could be creating a “class of parasites” ~ a term that may seem........

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