Freebies should aim for financial sustainability
Dear Sir,
The five promises made by Congress during the campaign for the most recent Karnataka assembly elections were a major factor in the party winning the state. The five assurances have proven to be effective weapons of victory.
Congress now intends to use the same approach in other states that are in a tight election, in the hopes of taking control there. Together, the guarantees or freebies may be able to provide coverage for the majority of Karnataka’s two and half crore families.
However, the state governments which promise freebies must supplement the assurances with the creation of work options, including self-employment, to ensure the beneficiaries financial security. The best use of the assurances would be to aim for long-term financial sustainability rather than merely procuring votes .
Dr. Vijaykumar H K, Raichur, Karnataka
