Cash transfers help Bengal women take financial decisions, says study

• A study by Amartya Sen's Pratichi Trust evaluates the impact of Lakshmir Bhandar, a flagship scheme of the West Bengal government, focusing on women beneficiaries.

Positive Financial Decision-Making

• Cash incentives from Lakshmir Bhandar have increased women beneficiaries' ability to make financial decisions.
• 85.55% of women report deciding how to spend the money themselves, showcasing a positive impact.

Enhanced Position in the Family

• Lakshmir Bhandar has elevated the position of women in their families, with 61.07% acknowledging an improvement.
• Social groups generally perceive positive effects, though the study suggests further exploration, particularly regarding Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Lakshmir Bhandar Overview

• Lakshmir Bhandar provides financial assistance to women aged 25-60 from economically weaker sections.

Policy Implications and Challenges

• Despite positive impacts, the study emphasizes the need for awareness about persisting challenges like child marriage and domestic violence.
• Child marriage remains a challenge despite schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar and Kanyashree.

Increasing ST Participation

• The study calls for concerted efforts to enhance ST participation in the scheme, citing low enrollment compared to their population.
• Duare Sarkar outreach programs are suggested to address spatial isolation in tribal settlements.

Pratichi Trust's Role

• Pratichi Trust, founded by Amartya Sen, has conducted studies on various government programs, including Duare Sarkar and the grievance redressal cell in West Bengal.

Prelims Takeaway

• Lakshmir Bhandar
• Kanyashree