Can KCR Prove to Be a Step Ahead of Modi?

Reports are emerging that Telangana government is mulling a possible rollout of Universal Basic Income scheme. Earlier there were reports that the Union government is mulling the idea but then it is clear that there is no such proposal. It is basically a fixed sum given to every citizen regardless of their financial status, employment status etc.

[m9ad]

To be more clear, the government will stop all the welfare schemes given to the people but will transfer a fixed amount monthly or yearly. This is to avoid the rampant leakage, diversion, and corruption. Union government backed out of it as it will be a very costly affair and the nation can not afford it now.

But then Telangana government wants to bring UBI with a little tweak. Telangana’s UBI will be only for those people living below the poverty line. Telangana government is planning to remit the beneficiaries with the money equal to the subsidy amount being spent on various welfare schemes directly to their bank accounts.

There is also a report that the state government will implement it only if the Central government is going to implement it. But it is more or less clear that the Center is not doing that now. It has to be seen if KCR takes up the challenge and proves a step ahead of Modi.