With the growing concern of jobless growth, automation, and rising inequality, is it time for India to introduce a Universal Basic Income (UBI)? Discuss the potential challenges and benefits of implementing UBI in the Indian context.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Economy: Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Topic: Economy: Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Q5. With the growing concern of jobless growth, automation, and rising inequality, is it time for India to introduce a Universal Basic Income (UBI)? Discuss the potential challenges and benefits of implementing UBI in the Indian context. (15M)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Note: You may answer similar question (Qn 2) from GS2 perspective or answer it here from the GS3 perspective. Examples and major points of the answer will be prioritied accordingly. Key Demand of the Question: Analyze whether India is ready for UBI given the challenges of jobless growth and automation, and explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing UBI in India. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a periodic, unconditional cash transfer to all citizens to ensure a basic standard of living. It has gained attention due to growing concerns over jobless growth, automation, and inequality, as highlighted by reports such as the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Employment and Social Outlook. Body: Rationale for UBI in India: Jobless Growth Income Inequality Demand Generation Challenges in Implementing UBI: Fiscal Constraints Targeting Issues Work Incentive Political and Social Implications Potential Benefits of UBI: Reduction in Poverty Social Safety Net Economic Stability Administrative Efficiency Conclusion: While UBI offers a promising solution to combat rising inequality and joblessness in India, its feasibility requires careful consideration of fiscal sustainability, political will, and targeted alternatives. A phased approach, focusing on strengthening existing social safety nets, might provide a more realistic path forward for India.
Note: You may answer similar question (Qn 2) from GS2 perspective or answer it here from the GS3 perspective. Examples and major points of the answer will be prioritied accordingly.
Key Demand of the Question: Analyze whether India is ready for UBI given the challenges of jobless growth and automation, and explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing UBI in India.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a periodic, unconditional cash transfer to all citizens to ensure a basic standard of living. It has gained attention due to growing concerns over jobless growth, automation, and inequality, as highlighted by reports such as the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Employment and Social Outlook.
• Rationale for UBI in India: Jobless Growth Income Inequality Demand Generation
• Jobless Growth
• Income Inequality
• Demand Generation
• Challenges in Implementing UBI: Fiscal Constraints Targeting Issues Work Incentive Political and Social Implications
• Fiscal Constraints
• Targeting Issues
• Work Incentive
• Political and Social Implications
• Potential Benefits of UBI: Reduction in Poverty Social Safety Net Economic Stability Administrative Efficiency
• Reduction in Poverty
• Social Safety Net
• Economic Stability
• Administrative Efficiency
Conclusion: While UBI offers a promising solution to combat rising inequality and joblessness in India, its feasibility requires careful consideration of fiscal sustainability, political will, and targeted alternatives. A phased approach, focusing on strengthening existing social safety nets, might provide a more realistic path forward for India.