New Delhi, February 19 (Agencies):
The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over the announcement and distribution of free schemes by state governments prior to elections. The court remarked that governments are promoting wrong trends among the public by providing free facilities and should instead focus on creating employment opportunities.
Distribution of Free Schemes Despite Debt and Deficit
During the hearing, the court pointed out that most states in the country are already burdened under debt and financial deficits; despite this, they are offering free schemes on a large scale. According to the court, the time has come to seriously review such policies that are hindering the country's economic development.
Questions on Free Electricity Supply
These remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, stated that providing free electricity to everyone without differentiating financial status cannot be an appropriate policy.
The bench included Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi. The court clarified that while helping the poor section is understandable, distributing free facilities without distinguishing between the deserving and undeserving raises questions on policymaking.
"What Kind of Culture Are We Creating?"
During the hearing, the bench raised the question of what kind of culture is being promoted in the country? The court said that if free food, bicycles, and electricity continue to be given from morning to evening, then who will work, and what will happen to the work culture?
The court also remarked that instead of spending on development projects, states are focusing on only two matters: paying salaries and generously distributing free facilities.
Notice Issued to the Center
However, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central Government and other parties on a petition challenging a clause of the Electricity Amendment Rules 2024 by the DMK government's power distribution company.
The court further questioned why a decision on large-scale expenditures was suddenly made after the notification of electricity tariffs?
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The Supreme Court clarified that states should focus on policies that provide permanent benefits to the public, especially the provision of employment opportunities, so that the country's economy can be established on strong foundations.
