India, Aug. 11 -- Faced with a challenging election, the Shinde government's sop-showering spree continues apace. After announcing Rs.1,500 per month for the state's 15 million women under the Ladki Bahin scheme, the government now plans to give Rs.1,500 per month to auto/taxi drivers above 65, and a one-time payment of Rs.10,000 to domestic workers above 55. The government's splurging of taxpayers' money in this fashion has placed a huge strain on state finances.

Apart from the largesse to senior auto/taxi drivers, the government will give cash benefits to drivers undergoing training, and an interest subsidy on their vehicle and home loans. For all this, it has made a provision of Rs.50 crore for the newly formed Auto-Taxi Drivers' Welf...