EAC-PM Working Paper: Assessing the Impact of Unconditional Women Cash Transfer Programmes

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released a significant working paper examining the proliferation of Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) programmes targeted at women. These schemes have emerged as a cornerstone of state-level welfare architecture in India, with over 15 states currently implementing such initiatives. The report estimates that these programmes now cover approximately 12 crore women, marking a paradigm shift in how states approach poverty alleviation and social protection. The paper underscores that UCTs serve as more than just financial relief; they act as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation. By placing liquidity directly into the hands of women, these transfers have been observed to enhance household bargaining power, allowing women to play a more decisive role in financial decision-making. Furthermore, the report highlights positive correlations between these transfers and improved developmental outcomes, particularly in the domains of nutrition, healthcare access, and educational attainment for children. The direct benefit transfer mechanism also promotes financial inclusion by encouraging women to engage with formal banking systems.