Empower Individuals and Redefine Welfare Culture, Echo Leading Experts

Bengaluru (Aryavarth):  The five guarantee schemes introduced by the Congress party in Karnataka have sparked a debate on the fine line between freebies and welfare schemes. While some view these guarantees as an integral part of the "freebie culture" to influence voters, others argue that they are a means of economic empowerment. These contrasting opinions were discussed at the monthly meeting of the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) on Sunday.

Retired Economics Professor of JSS College, Prof. Chintamani, expressed the need to draw a clear distinction between freebies and essential welfare programs. He acknowledged that implementing these guarantees would strain the state's finances and potentially disadvantage some sections of society. However, he emphasized the importance of considering the long-term consequences and the context in which these programs are implemented.

While the Indian Constitution mandates the promotion of the welfare of the underprivileged and those below the poverty line, political parties often fail to honor this distinction. Prof. Chintamani criticized the reliance on freebies and handouts as a shortcut to woo voters, which ultimately undermines the development goals of the public distribution system, employment guarantee schemes, and support for education and healthcare.

Other speakers at the meeting highlighted the economic implications of freebie politics. They noted that the budget allocated for these guarantees is consuming a significant portion of the regular budget, posing a fiscal threat to the state government and distorting the level playing field for free and fair elections.

Mahaveer Chand Bhansali, a renowned social and business icon from Mysuru, stressed the importance of educating people and transforming them into contributors rather than subsidy seekers. He emphasized that at the end of the day, it is the common man who bears the financial burden of these freebies and welfare schemes. Whether it is through direct taxes or indirect taxes like GST and excise duties, the cost eventually falls on the shoulders of the taxpayers. Bhansali urged for a shift in focus towards empowering individuals to become self-reliant and self-sufficient, which would ultimately lead to a stronger and more prosperous society.

Prashant Goenka from The Aryavarth Express echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for awareness among the public about the true cost of freebies and the impact on the overall economy. He emphasized the importance of promoting a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurship, where individuals are encouraged to create their own opportunities and contribute to the growth of the nation. Goenka emphasized that dependency on subsidies and freebies can hinder the development of skills, innovation, and a competitive spirit among the population. Instead, he advocated for providing the necessary support and infrastructure for individuals to thrive and contribute to the economy.

The discussions at the meeting shed light on the complexities surrounding the issue of freebies and welfare schemes. While it is crucial to address the socio-economic disparities and uplift the underprivileged, it is equally important to strike a balance and ensure that such programs do not perpetuate a culture of dependency and hamper long-term growth. The participants emphasized the need for comprehensive planning and targeted initiatives that empower individuals and communities to rise above poverty and become active contributors to the economy.

They also stressed the role of education and awareness in fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens. By educating the public about the true cost of subsidies and the importance of self-reliance, individuals can make informed choices and actively participate in building a prosperous society. The participants called for a collective effort from government, civil society organizations, and the private sector to create an enabling environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and skill development.

As the debate on freebies and welfare schemes continues, it becomes crucial to strike a balance between providing necessary support to the marginalized sections of society and ensuring sustainable economic growth. The discussions held at the meeting highlighted the importance of shifting the focus from short-term gains to long-term empowerment, where individuals are given the tools and opportunities to thrive on their own merits. By fostering a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurship, societies can create a path towards inclusive development and prosperity for all.

Retired Professor and Historian Prof. N.S. Rangaraju, along with MGP office-bearers and members, including Sreeshaila Ramannavar, Dr. Shekar S. Iyer, Shobha Sambashivan, Usha Manohar Lal, Jagannath, V.S Sethuram, B.J. Jwala, Suresh, S.V. Shankar, Kalpana Vishwanathan, Geetha Velumani, D.V. Dayananda Sagar, L.N. Yadav, V. Prabha, Guruprasad, Sachita, Lalitha Ramanna, Manohar, U.S. Sadashiva, and others, actively participated in the meeting.



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