Election reforms: Should freebies be banned?

The Election Commission has deployed huge infrastructure to prevent cash distribution to voters and we, the officers in the field are trying our best to match the commission's expectations. But the biggest inducements are freebies in the election manifesto. What started as a promise of cheap rice to the poor, the culture of freebies has reached mad propositions with the promise of free T.V, mixer, grinder, fan and now subsidised scooter and even free washing machine that too without any targeting for the poor. One is really scared to think what will be promised in the next elections. But can freebies be banned by the Commission? A popularly elected government has the mandate to provide freebies to the people based on the needs and circumstances of the time. A welfare state is what is needed. But at the same time promises of freebies in the election manifesto, one may argue that, fall within the ambit of bribe or inducement to the voters. How to balance the two? What if the commission rules that governments are free to give freebies on coming to power , but no party can promise freebies in election manifesto? 

Think, act and change.