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Saturday, October 4, 2025
TopicFreebies

Topic: Freebies

Maharashtra, Jharkhand results show freebie strategy works. How this may impact states’ finances

While economists warn politicians against making excessive promises, they acknowledge the value of welfare schemes—provided states remain within their financial limits.

More aid for women, houses for ‘sons of soil’. Mahayuti, MVA neck and neck in battle of the freebies

While MVA released joint card of poll guarantees Wednesday, ruling alliance unveiled its 10-point guarantee list a day earlier. Women, youths, farmers, all find place in manifestos.

Modi slams Congress for ‘unreal promises’ after Kharge’s rebuke to Karnataka leaders over guarantees

Development trajectory and fiscal health of states like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana was deteriorating on account of its guarantee brand of politics, adds PM.

Indian politics is going back to the pre-2014 era. What this means to Brand Modi and BJP

BJP may even end up winning Maharashtra and Jharkhand but going back to pre-2014 politics will hurt Brand Modi.

Modi’s ‘Billionaire Raj’ is making India more unequal. So, freebies are a necessity

The appetite for government benefits has surged in recent years. The genius of Modi’s con job lies in driving the bottom of the pyramid further into distress.

Bad economics of freebies is triggering financial crises for some states. Fiscal discipline is key

Freebies promised during polls, subsidies, swelling wage & pension bills are adding to the debt pile of states like Himachal Pradesh & Punjab. Revenue expenditure rationalisation can help.

‘Welfarism not a substitute for job creation’ — TeamLease vice-chairman on India’s fiscal planning

TeamLease’s Manish Sabharwal spoke to ThePrint about how political leaders, for the sake of winning elections, make big welfare-related promises without a proper plan to fund them.

Punjab to Andhra to Telangana—state govts’ spending on freebies harming India’s growth story

It’s unfortunate that the increase in the overall debt due to irresponsible freebies is causing the downgrade in ratings by international agencies.

‘Old Pension Scheme, freebies alone can’t win polls,’ says senior Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty

The Congress has made the return of OPS a poll plank in six assembly elections. But Chakravarty says the party ‘can’t engage in competitive promises & hope that's enough to win’.

Files piling up, staff overstretched — Karnataka govt depts at half capacity as posts lie vacant

There are over 2.55 lakh vacancies in Group A-D & other categories in state & districts, as per govt estimates. Shortage is not limited to Grade A-D & can also be seen at IAS level.

On Camera

Manohar Kahaniyan was Crime Patrol of pre-TV era. Now IAF Chief’s metaphor for Pakistani tales

The magazine was a product of its time—when newsprint was cheap, imagination was free, and the hunger for suspense could drive circulation numbers into the tens of thousands.

Nodal officers to fast-tracking NOCs, Kerala govt’s heeding investor concerns, and it means business

As many as 21 policy reforms are under implementation following Invest Kerala Global Summit, as LDF govt works to change perception that the state is not conducive to businesses.

Army chief’s big warning to Pakistan: Stop sponsoring terrorism if you want to exist geographically

Amid continued concerns over cross-border terrorism, General Upendra Dwivedi further warned the neighbour that India will not show restraint if there is an Op Sindoor 2.0.

How Pakistan thinks: Army for hire, ideology of convenience

Pakistan’s army has been a rentier force available to a reasonable bidder. It has never come to the aid of any Muslims including Palestinians or the Gazans, except making noises here and there.