BENGALURU, India-Across India, cash transfer programs are gaining traction as a means to empower women. These initiatives,often named with affectionate terms like “my dear sister” or references to Lakshmi,the Hindu goddess of wealth,aim to provide financial assistance to women and increase their independence. However,some experts caution that these programs may carry a paternalistic undertone,potentially undermining the very autonomy they seek to foster.

The Promise of Financial Independence

For many women, these cash transfers represent a significant step toward financial independence. Consider Lata G., a tailor from Bengaluru, who has long shouldered the financial responsibilities of her household. With her husband struggling to maintain stable employment, lata has been the primary provider for her family, including her two teenage children.

Food, clothing, shelter, education – I take care of everything.

Lata earns an average of 7,000 Indian rupees (US$83) a month by working more than 12 hours a day, using a manual sewing machine in her home. In August 2023, her income increased by 30% due to an extra 2,000 rupees (about US$23) a month from the Karnataka government, after the Congress Party promised a basic income to women whose annual family income was below 120,000 rupees (US$1,424).

A Boost in Confidence

Community workers suggest that these cash transfers often boost women’s confidence. Anjali Suresh, a 31-year-old stay-at-home mother of two, echoes this sentiment. the 2,000 rupees she receives has provided her with a newfound financial independence.

For every small thing like a sanitary pad,I would have had to ask my husband for money earlier.

Now, Suresh is even able to save a small amount for the future. While grateful for the support, she hopes her daughters will never have to depend on their husbands or the state for money.

I am grateful I have a good husband and the government is depositing money in my account. What would I do or else?

Lata agrees, emphasizing the sense of empowerment that comes with financial independence.

When I walk out of the house with my own money,I feel confident.

She describes it as an indescribable feeling, a strange sense of identity. Understanding that the money might not be permanent, Lata, like Suresh, is saving as much as she can and encouraging her daughter to prioritize education.

Nothing gives us as much stability as a good job.

Paternalism and Political Motivations

Despite the positive impact on individual women,some experts express concerns about the underlying motivations and potential drawbacks of these cash transfer programs.Rajeshwari Deshpande, a professor at Savitribai Phule University, who has studied women’s voting in India for years, argues that the government’s attitude is often paternalistic.

The attitude of the government is paternalistic. The government may be generous today but may take it away tomorrow.

Rajeshwari Deshpande, professor at Savitribai Phule University

Political parties have increasingly recognized women as a significant voting bloc and have tailored programs to attract their support. In the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, the congress Party promised free bus rides to all women residents, alongside the cash transfers. Similarly, the Janata Dal United government in Bihar implemented an alcohol ban in 2015 after women demanded it.

Sunaina Kumar, who researches female voter turnout, notes that political parties are actively targeting women voters.

Political parties have realized that women are a huge voting bloc and are therefore introducing programs catering to them specifically.

Sunaina Kumar, researcher of female voter turnout

Deshpande emphasizes that regardless of party affiliation, ther is a tendency to treat women as mere beneficiaries.

But when it comes to treating women as mere beneficiaries, no party is left behind.

Rajeshwari Deshpande, professor at Savitribai Phule University