Welfare freebies strain state finances, raise concerns

Rajasthan has over 91.85 lakh welfare beneficiaries under various pension schemes, raising concerns about misuse. Delhi's subsidy bill soared 607% since 2014-15, risking a revenue deficit by 2025-26. Rajasthan proposes excluding pensioners with high electricity bills to tighten controls. Experts warn unchecked welfare could burden taxpayers and stunt long-term growth.