The Supreme Court of India made a strong remark on Wednesday while hearing a case concerning urban poverty alleviation. The court criticized the culture of government freebies, stating that it discourages people from working. The bench expressed concerns that individuals are receiving financial assistance and rations without putting in any effort.
Supreme Court’s Observations
During the hearing on a petition regarding the right to shelter for homeless individuals in urban areas, a bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih remarked that the announcement of freebies before elections is leading to a situation where people are reluctant to work. Since they are getting money and rations for free, they lack the motivation to seek employment.
The bench emphasized that these schemes, though well-intentioned, are unfortunately making people hesitant to engage in productive activities. They further observed that while the concerns for the underprivileged are understood, a better approach would be to integrate them into the mainstream workforce and enable them to contribute to the nation’s development.
Government’s Stand on Urban Poverty Alleviation
During the proceedings, Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the court that the central government is in the final stages of formulating an urban poverty alleviation mission. The Supreme Court then directed the Attorney General to verify with the central government regarding the timeline for implementing this mission. The court has scheduled the next hearing on the matter for six weeks later.
Previous Court Interventions on Freebies
This is not the first time the Supreme Court has taken a firm stance against the culture of distributing freebies. Last year, the court sought responses from the central government and the Election Commission regarding a petition challenging the practice of political parties offering free facilities during election campaigns.
Impact on Elections and Political Promises
In recent elections, particularly in Delhi’s assembly elections, political parties such as the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party made several promises of free benefits to attract voters. These included free electricity, water supply, and financial assistance schemes targeted at specific demographics. The court’s recent remarks raise questions about the long-term impact of such policies on economic development and workforce participation.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s observations highlight a critical concern regarding the sustainability of government welfare schemes. While ensuring support for the underprivileged is crucial, the court suggests that integrating people into the workforce is a more effective long-term solution. The upcoming developments on the urban poverty alleviation mission will determine how the government balances welfare measures with economic productivity.
