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Wednesday, September 10, 2025
TopicFreebies

Topic: Freebies

Welfare or vote-bait? Unpacking the economics of India’s freebie culture

Freebie has become an integral part of our culture; it is like adulterating milk – just improving the quantity with quality remaining sluggish.

BJP govt in Delhi will have to deal with an impending revenue deficit. The promised freebies won’t help

Delhi has historically been in revenue surplus, but last 2 years have seen a deceleration. Subsidies & cash transfers may escalate the deficit, unless accompanied by a hike in revenues.

SubscriberWrites: India’s electoral democracy caught in cobweb of freebies & cash transfer

The focus on freebies and cash transfers has led to policy paralysis, as parties prioritize short-term electoral gains over long-term policy planning.

SubscriberWrites: Slogans, Promises and Freebies

The balance between aspirations and reality in modern India.

Middle class is addicted to Modi. Slowing growth, stalled reform & oppressive taxes don’t matter

Indian middle class seethes at growing phenomenon of political parties taking their tax money and spraying it among the more numerous poorer classes to buy their votes.

Indian political parties’ focus on women, cows & freebies, and Mukesh Ambani’s data centre ambitions

Global media also took note of the railway accident in Maharashtra, writing about safety of train travel in India, as well as the reality of the economic downturn in the country.

There’s a new ‘ism’ in town. Left, Right & Centre are losing to it

In the new world, the only idea that cuts across enough vote banks is populism. Its beauty, charm and success lies in its ease of use, in how little it demands from your head or heart.

Dashing through the snow, in a freebie-laden sleigh & packaged food for thought

The best cartoons of the day, chosen by the editors at ThePrint.

SubscriberWrites: Electoral optics and economy

Political parties must learn to differentiate between welfare schemes and freebies; while welfare schemes positively impact lives, non-merit freebies are not a fair practice.

On Camera

Is Nepal having a Bangladesh moment? Gen Z protests more than social media ban

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government is being called ‘Hatyara Sarkar’. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has resigned, but the protests continue to intensify.

What happens to Haryana real estate agents now? Govt agency HSVP to act as broker, take commissions

Gurugram: Stirring a storm in Haryana's real estate circles, the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP)—the state's urban development agency—has taken on the role of...

Modi to address military brass next week; theaterisation & Op Sindoor on agenda for Kolkata conference

The Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) in Kolkata is also likely to see deliberations on the proposed 'Sudarshan Chakra' missile defence system.

Punjab is fast becoming the new Northeast. And there’s a message in it for Modi

In its toughest time in decades because of floods, Punjab would’ve expected PM Modi to visit. If he has the time for a Bihar tour, why not a short visit to next-door Punjab?