4) Would a universal basic income reduce poverty in India? Do you think it will strengthen the State’s ability to deliver on its promise of a guaranteed minimum standard of living for every poor Indian. Discuss(250 words)

Topic: Social empowerment. / population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies./ Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation./ Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

4) Would a universal basic income reduce poverty in India? Do you think it will strengthen the State’s ability to deliver on its promise of a guaranteed minimum standard of living for every poor Indian. Discuss(250 words)

Ushering in a new social contract – The Hindustan times 7March2019

Why this question:

The article discusses the role of Minimum income and how it can help the State deliver a basic standard of living for every poor family. Under this context it becomes important to analyze the pros and cons of the Universal basic income concept.

Key demand of the question

The answer must weigh the pros and cons of the concept of Universal basic income as to how the minimum income proposal would not absolve the state of its core responsibilities of providing food, education and healthcare for the poor but however It will strengthen the State’s ability to deliver on its promise of a guaranteed minimum standard of living .

Directive word

Discuss– this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.

Structure of the answer

Introduction:

One can start with facts and details of the research on the anonymous “London Patient” of HIV  and the stem cell transplant involving CCR5-delta 32 homozygous donor cells.

Body:

Discuss  the details of –

• What is Universal Basic Income (UBI)?
• Why Universal Basic Income?
• How does it work, pros and cons.
• challenges that the state may face in Implementation of UBI.
• Case studies supporting your opinion.

Conclusion:

UBI, though a noble idea, but should not completely outdo the existing essential social services/schemes related to education and health which are not only the core functions of the state but also indispensable for meaningful and dignified individual existence. However, the alternatives to UBI can be explored like direct benefits transfers, conditional cash transfers and other income support schemes which also hold the potential to yield the above mentioned benefits.