New Election Schemes: Should Cash Transfers Be Considered ‘Voter Bribes’?

• Media labeling cash transfers as bribes raises concerns.

• Issues arise about whether cash transfers reduce welfare spending.

• Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a direct benet transfer program, introduced by Maharashtra government in July 2024.

• Critics argue these schemes amount to bribery and give the incumbent government an unfair advantage.

• Kunal Shankar and Reetika Khera argue for social welfare programs in response to popular needs.

• Cash transfers aim to achieve economic independence, improve health and nutrition, and compensate for unpaid domestic work.

• Cash transfers are seen as a failure of government efforts to provide better livelihoods.

• National Food Security Act is a cash transfer program that fills a gap in welfare architecture.

• Evidence suggests corruption in welfare schemes since the 1980s.

• Cash transfers create a middle-men army and lack robust self-targeting mechanisms.