India News
Political parties have made free schemes a habit to attract voters. However, once in power, the same promises become a burden for the ruling government, making their implementation challenging.
A similar situation is unfolding in Karnataka. The Congress government came to power by offering five guarantees, but now it is struggling to implement them. Even after receiving these benefits, people are demanding more freebies.
Many citizens want to sustain their lives without spending money. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed his frustration over this issue, questioning, "How can governance continue if everything is given for free?" He stated that while the government has benefited millions through these five schemes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain them.
He pointed out that electricity is already provided for free, and now there are demands for free Cauvery water. He questioned, "Shouldn’t people pay at least a nominal amount for water?" He also mentioned that Karnataka's Water Board incurs an annual loss of Rs 1,000 crore, making a hike in water charges inevitable. Meanwhile, government employees are also pressuring the administration for salary hikes.
The free bus travel scheme for women has also become a financial burden for the government. To manage its costs, the administration has increased fares on other buses.
This is a recurring issue with free schemes—governments announce them as "free" but later introduce multiple restrictions and reduce the number of beneficiaries. Ultimately, free schemes become a warning bell for any government.
Advertisment
