Politics Can Distort the Intent and Value of a Universal Basic Income Scheme

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In The Media

Carnegie India

Politics Can Distort the Intent and Value of a Universal Basic Income Scheme

Several commentators have remarked that Universal Basic Income functions as a Rorschach test for the welfare state, given that it draws its support from a diverse ideological coalition that sees it as mediating their own preferred versions of an ideal society.

By Saksham Khosla

Published on Feb 17, 2018

Source: Print

Several commentators have remarked that Universal Basic Income functions as a Rorschach test for the welfare state, given that it draws its support from a diverse ideological coalition ranging from the libertarian right to the liberal left that sees it as mediating their own preferred versions of an ideal society.

But a vehement debate simmers below this shallow consensus between those who see a UBI as restraining the worst paternalistic tendencies of a convoluted welfare state, and those who support its role in plugging the gaps of a social protection floor alongside universal services and efforts to reform existing programs.

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This article was originally published in the Print.

About the Author

Saksham Khosla

Former Research Analyst, Carnegie India

Saksham Khosla was a research analyst at Carnegie India.

Economy India

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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