Economic survey raises alarm on cash transfers | The Federal

Описание: Unconditional cash transfers to women have emerged as one of India’s most popular welfare schemes. From Goa’s pioneering initiative in 2013 to states offering up to Rs 2,500 per month today, these schemes now reach crores of women across the country.

But are these schemes empowering women or pushing states towards fiscal stress?

In this exclusive interview, economist K Prabhakar explains the economic trade-offs behind unconditional cash transfers, the difference between conditional and unconditional welfare models, and whether such schemes can be sustained without weakening state finances. Drawing comparisons with global models from Brazil and Mexico, he also explores how cash transfers affect women’s health, labour participation, and economic security. With the Economic Survey 2025–26 warning about rising fiscal pressure and crowding out of capital expenditure, this conversation raises a crucial question:

Where should India draw the line between social justice and fiscal prudence?
Watch the full discussion to understand the real impact of cash transfers on India’s economy and women’s empowerment.

#CashTransfer #WomenWelfare #IndianEconomy #FiscalDeficit #EconomicSurvey2026 #SocialJustice #WelfareSchemes #PublicFinance #IndiaPolicy #WomenEmpowerment #BasicIncome #TheFederal #India #BreakingNews #LatestNews #News
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