Why India has to bite the Universal Basic Income bullet

A direct cash transfer to the poor is a powerful idea, and whichever political party comes to power at the Centre will feel compelled to move towards it in order to repair India's broken fiscal engine.

Issues

Money was never a problem in India. Ask Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi or your friendly MP.

Don't listen to detractors. Rahul Gandhi's NYAY is plausible. Here's how

Rahul Gandhi’s move to ensure minimum income (MIG) for the poor is well-intentioned - but it could damage the psychology of a nation which takes pride in its demographic dividend.

Do we really want to give our youth free money?

Rahul Gandhi’s move to ensure minimum income guarantee (MIG) for the poor is well-intentioned. But it could damage the psychology of a nation which is proud of its demographic dividend.

There are speculations that UBI could well be on the list of what the Narendra Modi government offers voters through the Interim Budget.

Why Rahul Gandhi’s promise of a universal basic income is worth being discussed

There is speculation that UBI could well be on the list of what the Narendra Modi government also offers voters through the Interim Budget.

Universal Basic Income shoots in the wrong direction

It might allow individuals greater latitude as consumers, but it cannot serve as a substitute for public services.

India doesn't need Universal Basic Income but a campaign to nudge Modi to pursue economic reforms

India doesn't need Universal Basic Income but economic reforms

UBI can distract us from real policy challenges, and its opportunity costs could be huge

universal basic income

Is India ready for a universal basic income scheme?

While there seems to be a consensus on the idea behind this ambitious project, experts widely differ on its implementation at the cost of existing subsidies.