Announcing Freebies could bring you more challenges

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked the states doling out freebies to check the fiscal strength of the state government and make budgetary provision accordingly.

The issue of freebies has become a hot topic after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last month, frowned upon the ‘revdi’ culture. Apparently referring to the freebies given by some state governments, especially the Aam Aadmi Party dispensation in Delhi and Punjab Ms Sitharaman said it was good that the debate has begun.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana asserted that a distinction between welfare measures and freebies should be drawn when tax payers keep questioning governments over lack of basic amenities such as good roads and electricity, even as freebies are doled out as poll promises.

The FM said governments indeed have responsibilities to ensure that good education reaches all its citizens, particularly the poorer sections of societies.

Also, the basic healthcare is taken care of, said the FM Sitharaman adding that when the poor people are involved, some "higher end expert-involving kind of medical assistance is when required, the poor should be able to access it." In this regard, she said, various committees appointed since independence had always insisted on spending at least six per cent of the Gross Domestic Product on health, education and other basic needs.

Taking a jibe at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Nirmala said every government has a responsibility to ensure good and quality education and healthcare. “If anyone treats education as a freebie then that is an irresponsible, misguided statement....

Sitharaman said no government till today has denied its responsibility towards education or allowed only the private education to take up the task.