Are the freebies necessary?

Political parties have been announcing freebies at the time of election to attract votes to their parties. It has now taken on a global form. Of late, there have been no election manifestos that do not include freebies in one form or another. The pattern continues despite rising criticism from the public.
Freebies and subsidy schemes have been in place in Tamil Nadu for about 58 years. During the 1967 assembly election, former Chief Minister Anna announced, ‘three units of rice is our target, but one unit is for sure.’ Subsequently, when he came to power, he made sure to give one unit of rice for free to the public despite numerous obstacles.
Similarly, as a part of the starvation alleviation programme, the government had provided 20 kgs of free rice to the public and the scheme is still implemented through a public distribution system in the state.
Public has always welcomed the schemes that enhanced the quality and accessibility of the education system and medical service in the state. Former Chief Minister K Kamarajar’s mid-day meal scheme and free school uniforms, former Chief Minister MGR’s nutritional meal scheme, free shoes and toothpaste scheme, former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s mid-day meal with egg scheme, and free bus pass for students, former Chief Minister’s free laptop for students, free bicycle, and uniform scheme, Chief Minister MK Stalin’s students’ assistance scheme and breakfast scheme, deserve all the applause. Since education is the fundamental right of children, it’s the government’s duty to make it accessible.
Stalin’s government has also been implementing multiple welfare schemes like Kalaignar’s women’s right scheme, and women’s free bus scheme for the economic upliftment of women. After Tamil Nadu, other states including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Delhi have also announced similar schemes. The free breakfast scheme is also being implemented in Canada.
A few years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his desire to abolish the freebie system. But the Karnataka state election had taught him a good election. These days announcements regarding freebies play a significant role in determining the victory of political parties in elections. The BJP, which came to power in New Delhi by promising to provide Rs 2,500 per month to women, has now implemented the scheme. Even Modi cannot stop his own party from announcing such schemes. Only goal of political parties is reaching the throne.
Even though public debates around freebies have been making rounds on social media platforms, most of the people think they are necessary and are not ready to lose them. Some people think that such free schemes are exploiting the labour of the public. Even the Supreme Court has questioned this. However, it cannot be denied that such schemes have come in handy in uplifting the economically backward society.
Despite knowing the ground reality of implementing such schemes, political parties refuse to give it up in fear. Whenever election announcements are near, political parties include freebies in their manifestos. Government may implement restrictions in implementing such schemes, but it can never be abolished completely.