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Podcast: Parley by The Hindu
Episode: Should there be limits on āfreebiesā?
Description: While hearing a petition demanding the de-recognition of political parties that promise āirrational freebiesā to voters, the Supreme Court recently drew attention to the substantial fiscal cost of freebies. The court noted that a legislation banning freebies is not advisable, but at the same time called for a balance between welfare measures and loss to the public exchequer. The Supreme Courtās observation comes in the backdrop of the clash between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party on the issue of wasteful spending on freebies. It also takes in the larger public debate on how to differ...