A wage for housework? India's sweeping experiment in paying women

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete December 9, 2025 at 01:29 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

India is conducting a large-scale social experiment involving unconditional cash transfers to adult women. Currently, 118 million women in 12 states receive monthly payments ranging from 1,000-2,500 rupees ($12-$30). These transfers, initiated by states like Goa in 2013 and gaining momentum before the pandemic, aim to recognize women's unpaid labor in running households and providing care. Unlike conditional cash transfer programs elsewhere, the Indian scheme provides money without requiring specific actions like school attendance. The funds are typically used for household expenses, education, and debt repayment. The program signals a significant expansion of welfare initiatives targeting women in India.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Premila Bhalavi ×240% Prabha Kotiswaran 50% Madhya Pradesh 60% India ×780%

Keywords

unconditional cash transfers 100% housework 80% paying women 80% social policy experiment 70% india 70% welfare regimes 60% financial independence 50% household income 50% cash transfer schemes 40%

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Positive

Score: 0.40

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Source

BBC News - World

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

India

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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unconditional cash transfers housework paying women social policy experiment india welfare regimes financial independence household income cash transfer schemes

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