NEW DELHI, Oct 26 : Amid political parties making big poll promises to woo voters ahead of crucial assembly elections, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said the freebies model appears appealing in the short term.
“We were confronted by two models – one was the economic growth model and the other was a freebies model which appeared appealing in the short term. People have the choice between these two models. Modi government is the testament to the first model,” Puri said at the 10th Annual Forum of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI).
As assembly elections in five states including Rajasthan, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh are nearing, political parties are offering benefits ranging from free electricity to subsidised cooking gas. Some parties have also proposed cash allowances for women and unemployed youth.
A debate on freebies has been going on for a few years now. While some political leaders have criticiSed the ‘freebies culture, some others have termed them as social welfare schemes for providing financial security to the poor and vulnerable.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Puri said India will be a US$ 4 trillion economy by the end of the year and a US$ 10 trillion economy by 2030.
He emphasised on availability, affordability and sustainability for the active growth of India.
Speaking at the PAFI event, Puri also said that growth of the India-US ties is important.
“Areas like green energy and others will be significant for collaboration to foster mutual growth,” the Minister said. (UNI)
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