JMM-Congress, BJP poll promises set to leave Jharkhand poor

SWAMI DIVYAGYAN

As the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections approach, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are competing with promises that directly appeal to voters across demographics. Behind these promises, however, lies a crucial question: how will these plans be funded? The answer points to taxpayer money, raising concerns about whether public funds should be redirected from long-term development toward short-term electoral gains.

Short-Term Benefits or Long-Term Financial Burden?

The JMM and the BJP have proposed ambitious electoral promises, from JMM’s Maiyaan Samman Yojana and Sarna religious code to BJP’s Gogo Didi Scheme and employment guarantees. Each of these promises would require extensive financial resources from the state’s tax revenue. This raises questions about whether funds intended for critical development projects might instead be allocated to temporary benefits, potentially diverting support from education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

For instance, the JMM’s Maiyaan Samman Yojana offers cash benefits for women, providing immediate relief to economically disadvantaged groups. However, the long-term financial burden of maintaining this program could strain resources, which could otherwise be invested in sustainable public infrastructure and services.

Impact on Jharkhand’s Financial Health

Jharkhand already faces fiscal challenges, including high debt levels and limited resources. Implementing both the JMM’s welfare-focused promises and the BJP’s employment guarantees could exacerbate these financial strains. While these promises may seem appealing, they carry the potential to increase debt, placing a heavier burden on future state budgets and taxpayers.

JMM’s promises of free electricity, universal pensions, and cash transfers add recurring financial responsibilities that could necessitate additional borrowing. BJP’s pledge to fill 287,000 government jobs and create 500,000 self-employment opportunities would likewise impose substantial financial strain if they aren’t self-sustaining. The likely need for new taxes or debt could destabilize the state’s economy.

Negative Consequences for Development Projects

Redirecting public funds to fulfil election promises could lead to reduced budgets for areas like schools, hospitals, roads, and other essential infrastructure. In Jharkhand, where there’s a pressing need to improve public services, diverting funds may have lasting repercussions.

Funds that could otherwise support educational and healthcare improvements or road infrastructure may be used for immediate cash transfers and welfare schemes. These short-term promises, while temporarily beneficial, could prevent the state from making sustainable improvements in the long term.

Long-Term Implications: Increased Debt and Public Burden

Large-scale welfare and employment schemes are often designed for immediate electoral support, yet can lead to a debt trap. If funded through additional loans, Jharkhand’s debt will increase, impacting fiscal health for years.

This financial burden will likely fall on the public in the form of higher taxes or reduced funding for essential services. Future administrations might be forced to raise taxes or cut budgets for healthcare, education, and infrastructure to manage debt. Voters may ultimately bear the long-term cost of these election promises through limited public services and higher living expenses.

Ethics of Using Taxpayer Money for Electoral Promises

An ethical question arises: is it justifiable to use taxpayer money for short-term election promises? Both JMM and BJP are proposing substantial outlays from public funds, but this could be viewed as a misuse of resources intended for long-term development.

Public funds should ideally be allocated to areas that provide lasting benefits, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Using these resources for temporary electoral gains could breach public trust, prioritizing immediate political success over sustainable growth. Although these promises may yield short-term gains, they may ultimately erode Jharkhand’s financial health and stability.

The Bigger Picture: Balancing Electoral Promises with Long-Term Public Welfare

Both the JMM and the BJP have announced promises aimed at attracting specific voter groups. However, fulfilling these pledges may come at a high cost to Jharkhand’s financial health. Resources allocated to these promises could otherwise be invested in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

For Jharkhand’s voters, it is essential to consider the financial impact of these promises. This election presents an opportunity to choose leaders who prioritize the long-term financial stability and welfare of Jharkhand over immediate political gains. The decision at the polls will shape whether Jharkhand’s resources are directed towards temporary relief or lasting progress.