Innovation Over Freebies: N.R. Narayana Murthy’s Vision for Job Creation
Innovation is crucial in addressing India’s escalating freebies culture, according to co-founder of Infosys, N.R. Narayana Murthy. He stresses that the emphasis should be on generating employment through creative ventures to eradicate poverty.
Poverty: An Issue That Needs Innovative Solutions
During his speech at TiEcon Mumbai 2025, Murthy stated that poverty will “disappear like dew on a sunny morning” if India prioritises “innovative enterprises” over dependency on handouts.
Job Creation Is Key
Murthy conveyed his conviction that entrepreneurs will generate a significant number of jobs, which he believes is the true answer to resolving poverty. “The problem of poverty cannot be tackled through freebies. No country has been successful in that,” he mentioned.
Background on Freebies and Economic Growth
His comments come during a period when India provides 80 crore citizens with regular cash transfers, igniting ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of freebies versus sustainable economic practices.
Accountability in State Aid
Stressing that he speaks with a policy-focused perspective rather than a political one, Murthy insists that any benefits and subsidies should be accompanied by accountability. He proposed that recipients of governmental assistance should demonstrate tangible improvements in return.
Practical Measures for Assessment
As a practical example, he suggested, “If households receive free electricity for up to 200 units monthly, random surveys should be conducted after six months to assess improvements, such as whether children are studying more or whether the parents show increased engagement.”
The Bigger Debate on Freebies
Murthy’s insights are part of a wider national discourse concerning the long-term effects of freebies, a topic recently scrutinised even by the Supreme Court, questioning the sustainability of such measures.
Critique on Artificial Intelligence Trends
Additionally, Murthy expressed his concern about the excessive use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a catchphrase, highlighting that many offerings labelled as AI are simply “outdated programs” repackaged as cutting-edge technology.
