India is steadily moving toward a taxation framework similar to that of developed countries, where citizens contribute significantly through direct and indirect taxes. However, despite this growing revenue, the government’s expenditure priorities often fail to address the essential needs of its people. Instead of focusing on rational policies that benefit citizens equitably, governance is frequently driven by emotional appeals and symbolic gestures, leaving many taxpayers frustrated and underserved.
The Aam Aadmi Party’s governance model provides a practical example of how to address this gap. Their policies prioritize the needs of the poor and lower-midd-class populations through carefully planned welfare programs. Subsidies on electricity, water, healthcare, and education are not just populist measures but rational interventions to improve the quality of life for those who need it most. The Indian government should consider implementing such approaches on a national level, ensuring that benefits are distributed effectively and reach the right beneficiaries. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems and well-structured schemes can prevent resource leakages while providing much-needed support to vulnerable sections of society.
At the same time, it is crucial to address the issue of resource overuse. Taxes and surcharges should be levied on those who disproportionately consume public resources, whether through excessive electricity usage, water wastage, or environmental exploitation. Such measures would discourage unsustainable practices while generating additional revenue to fund essential services for those who cannot afford them.
The government must take full responsibility for meeting the basic needs of its citizens who are unable to afford essentials like healthcare, education, housing, and food. Instead of focusing on grandiose projects or symbolic investments, public funds should be directed toward creating robust infrastructure and social welfare systems. This shift would ensure that taxpayers see tangible improvements in public services, promoting trust and compliance.
India’s aspiration to be recognized as a developed nation must be matched by governance that reflects inclusivity, sustainability, and equity. By adopting rational policies like those demonstrated by the Aam Aadmi Party, taxing resource overuse, and focusing on essential public services, the government can create a system where every citizen, regardless of income, has access to basic necessities. This balanced approach is key to transforming India into a nation that values its people’s well-being as much as its economic aspirations.
