- The Interim Budget promises range of schemes such as income transfers to farmers and a pension scheme for workers aged over 60 years in the unorganized sector and 10% quota for the “economically weaker sections” in the general category raises the question over its impact.
- However, cash transfer to poor do not ensure accessibility, affordability or even sustained economic security.
- NSSO data revealed that the unemployment rate has hit a 45-year high and there is concern for the economic security of the people
- Case studies have shown that direct cash transfer play an instrumental role in dismantling existing welfare schemes like the Integrated Child Development Services and deprive ASHA and Anganwadi workers of their wages who are pillars in creating an ecosystem for ensuring nutritional security to women and children.
- Income transfer diminish state accountability towards its citizens, of upholding their rights to basic entitlements and to work
- Instead of income transfer government can provide decent employment opportunities, minimum wages and social security to all workers and avoid cuts in social sector spending, including on public education and primary health.
