'People Are Not Willing To Work': Supreme Court Slams Election Freebies

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (12 February) expressed strong disapproval over the growing trend of announcing freebies before elections, stating that it discourages people from working and contributing to the economy, reported PTI.

Freebies Discouraging Workforce Participation, Says SC

A Bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, while hearing a case on the right to shelter for homeless persons in urban areas, observed that free ration and monetary benefits without work were reducing people’s willingness to seek employment.

"Unfortunately, because of these freebies... the people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations. They are getting amount without doing any work," Justice Gavai was quoted as saying by PTI.

The Bench further noted that while welfare measures are important, it would be more beneficial to integrate individuals into mainstream society and encourage them to contribute to national development rather than make them dependent on state-sponsored benefits.

Centre Working on Urban Poverty Alleviation Mission

Attorney General R Venkataramani informed the court that the Central Government is in the final stages of launching an Urban Poverty Alleviation Mission, which would address various social issues, including the provision of shelter for the urban homeless.

The Supreme Court directed the Attorney General to seek clarification from the Centre on the timeline for implementing the scheme and posted the matter for further hearing after six weeks.

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