Pacific Money | Economy | South Asia

Can Cash Transfers Empower Indian Women?

Cash transfers might offer immediate support, but lasting economic empowerment depends on women’s access to jobs, assets and productive resources.

Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) has become one of the most potent instruments of social protection in developing countries. India is no exception: several government schemes such as Annapurna Bhandar (previously Lakshmir Bhandar in West Bengal), Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh, and Subhadra Yojana in Orissa are being run to help the cause of empowering women in the country.

Direct cash transfer plays an instrumental role in decreasing poverty and inequality. The system has its roots in Latin America, but many developing countries, including India, have modified their welfare system to include direct cash transfers. In India, state governments are increasingly transferring money directly to women, with the expectation that it will reduce poverty, improve household welfare, and strengthen their economic position.

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Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) has become one of the most potent instruments of social protection in developing countries. India is no exception: several government schemes such as Annapurna Bhandar (previously Lakshmir Bhandar in West Bengal), Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh, and Subhadra Yojana in Orissa are being run to help the cause of empowering women in the country.

Direct cash transfer plays an instrumental role in decreasing poverty and inequality. The system has its roots in Latin America, but many........

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