Universal Basic Income (UBI)

   Sikkim government has decided to introduce Universal Basic Income (UBI) and implement it by 2022. Universal Basic Income is a minimum income (direct cash transfer) guaranteed by the state to every individual every month. Proposed on the belief that the scheme would help in bringing down poverty. Also on the basis that every person have the right to a basic income to cover their needs, just by being citizens.

     The scheme universal basic income first found a place in the economic survey of 2016-17, but government aim was not to implement it. Only to provide knowledge regarding universal basic income i.e What is UBI? What could be the impact of UBI implemented at central level? As it is mentioned above Sikkim became the first state to launch this scheme for the welfare of residents of Sikkim and for their better livelihood Everyone knows that Sikkim is a small state and its further progress in universal basic income scheme (implementation) will give impetus for the implementation of this scheme at a large level. We can say that Sikkim is a trailer for the implementation of universal basic income. If it really proves positive and helpful for the peoples of Sikkim, then the central government can also think regarding UBI scheme.

  Thesis

 
 Universal basic income has many positive and negative effect for a positive part, if the government would provide a basic income, ex Rs 3000 per month for every individual of the state, whether rich or poor, then it gives opportunities to those persons who have been too difficult to manage food even for twice a day. If such a person would get basic income for their daily meals, then they can think of other progress in their lives. Second, if the government would give UBI to both men and women only then this scheme would be called a secular scheme. Since we know that in Indian Society wives are consider only for household works and care for her only husband and his families. If the government would provide UBI to both then female partners would also get a fair chance to further progress in their lives.

Anti-thesis 

   The first negative aspects would be the peoples stop working if they get certain amounts as universal basic income to continue their livelihood. If people could act in such a way, then it would be perilous for our economy, and it will create severe crisis condition in India. Second, political parties could start these schemes as their political agenda and might be the UBI would fluctuate from one state to another. Third, UBI cannot replace all scheme by simply providing money in beneficiaries account cannot replace the delicate care and support needed by some vulnerable sections to like pregnant women, children, elderly living alone physically disabled, etc. Overall and above UBI cover from lower to higher economic conditions peoples in India. But let see how it works in a small state like Sikkim and what could be its impact on Sikkim economy.


Synthesis

   Universal basic income is a noble idea, and this scheme would work or not, it can be decided only after the implementation of this scheme. Since this scheme would provide some relief to especially weaker and deprived section as well as women. How it affects the Sikkim economy and its other schemes would be the question of further implementation of UBI.