Government of India to implement national cash transfer program

India’s Congress party on Tuesday November 27, 2012 announced a direct cash transfer scheme aimed at the efficient delivery of benefits to the poor. The program, referred to as “Aapka paisa, aapke haath” [Your money, in your hands] will be initiated in 51 districts in phase 1, beginning January 1, 2013. Read more at the links below.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cash-transfer-to-cover-29-schemes-in-first-phase/article4140318.ece

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_aap-ka-paisa-aap-ke-haath-congress-coins-a-slogan-but-insists-not-to-read-poll-in-it_1770505

Two weeks prior to the announcement The Economist wrote an article about reforming welfare in India and calling for a move towards conditional cash transfers.

The Economist Editorial

http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21565957-why-india-should-hand-out-cash-rather-fuel-and-food-needy-cash-strings

Full article on welfare reform in India

http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21565966-debate-growing-about-how-get-welfare-needy-money-where-your-mouth