Cash and in-kind transfers in India: contexts, preferences and evidence
International Journal of Social Economics
ISSN: 0306-8293
Article publication date: 1 November 2023
Issue publication date: 20 June 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Since the last decade, debates regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the forms of transfer, i.e. in the form of in-kind or cash transfers, have been gaining momentum. This paper aims to explore the preferences revealed by the beneficiaries, the role of contextual conditions in moulding these preferences, factors associated with the transfer scheme that defines the preferences and the rationale behind such responses.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducted involves primary data collected from an Indian state, Odisha. 308 beneficiaries of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) were interviewed concerning specific objectives in a rural district (Mayurbhanj) and another highly urbanised district (Khordha).
Findings
The comparative results show that the strength of the contextual conditions significantly influences the preferences of the beneficiaries in the rural district as compared to the effect on the beneficiaries of the urban district. Education seems to have an insignificant impact in rural areas. However, income and standard of living have positive significant effects on shaping the preferences for cash or in-kind transfers.
Originality/value
Examining the strength of the contextual conditions and emphasising beneficiaries' perspectives would stimulate a better understanding of the implementation of the proposed quasi-Universal Basic Income. The study would hence, be instrumental in dealing with the transition towards cash transfers in the Indian context where the co-responsibility of both stakeholders, the government and the beneficiaries, should be given equal weightage.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2023-0158
Keywords
Citation
Das, A. and Sethi, N. (2024), "Cash and in-kind transfers in India: contexts, preferences and evidence", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 51 No. 7, pp. 841-856. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-03-2023-0158
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited