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Freebies have become an integral part of governance in India. Moral indignation over it is liberally articulated but when it comes to taking a decision against it, everyone backtracks. In the run-up to every election, parties vie with one another in promising more freebies to the electorate. In the case of Odisha, a good quantity of rice at one rupee per kilogram to each member of the poor family no doubt has improved the food security of the vulnerable segment of the population. It is however widely believed that this measure has made the working population easy-going and averse to productive work. Even in the coastal region of the state, one comes across a wide expanse of fallow land after rice is harvested. Years ago, the region was having extensive cultivation of pulses and groundnut. Odisha youths today are unfortunately less competitive and this reflects in the poor performance of the state’s economy in many critical sectors. Freebies therefore have not been an unmixed blessing. Freebies have affected the mind. Aversion to challenge is now more pronounced. More and more people have been losing their zest for work. Freebies have invaded new areas. At weddings, some governments provide Mangal Sutra for the bride. Some governments offer white goods for free. Each variety of freebies impacts the productive potential of the recipient. Unfortunately, freebies have not remained confined to the political sphere.
Yet another kind of freebie that increases our reluctance to utilise our inherent capabilities and makes us more easy-going merits a discussion. Take the case of a stubborn old rusted lock that was last opened three years ago. You want to open it now and find out if the thing you are looking for could be in the rarely used box. You fail to open the lock with the key you have and after struggling for five minutes, you give up and go to YouTube to find a solution to the issue. Take another case. You have written a long essay on a topic but aren’t satisfied with the quality of your writing. Instead of doing the improvement yourself, you ask ChatGPT to do it for you and the job is done.
These two cases I am inclined to consider as freebies that benefit you without your working for the benefit. The consequence is we are now tempted to go for the easy option and this sets in motion the process of trivialising our mind. Our mind is now no longer viewed as indomitable but is treated as dispensable.
One could argue that the benefits of technology should be available to everyone and if I can easily know how I can open a stubborn lock I shouldn’t waste time and energy on doing it the hard way. The issue, however, is not so simple. I get a solution in no time no doubt, but I stop using my brain. I am now weakening my brain and promoting its atrophy. I am unwittingly increasing my vulnerability; I am losing my willpower to fight. Without much effort, I can now be controlled or conquered.
I think taking advantage of technology has to be a conscious decision. I must be sure that it empowers me, it enhances my ability to perform. I shouldn’t go for it if it weakens my resolve, or sedates my mind and motivation.
Today we are at a crossroads where we have to show our resolve and be very selective about freebies. It is time for a review of the whole freebie philosophy. It needs an overhaul. The human mind has been led down the garden path. It needs to step back to save itself.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
