Abstract:
The focus of the dissertation is to evaluate the UBI proposals made for India. In doing
so, the historical background and the philosophical idea of UBI is explored in detail.
The feasibility of implementing different types of UBI in India has been studied. The
study uses simulation techniques to gauge the impact of converting existing welfare
program-food subsidies into income transfers. Second, a quasi-experimental research
design is used to find that there are significant costs associated with income transfer
programs. The findings serve as a caution against indiscriminately converting existing
welfare schemes into income transfer programs. The main argument made in the study
is that-India is perhaps not ready for a completely redistributive UBI. It is also argued
that a serious cost benefit analysis has to be done on a case by case basis before
converting existing welfare schemes into income transfer programs.
