Abstract

This policy brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the Bhagyalakshmi Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme (CCT) in Karnataka, introduced in 2006-07 to address gender disparities, including the adverse child sex ratio, high prevalence of child marriage, and limited access to education for girls. The scheme targets Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, incentivizing the education and delayed marriage of girl children through financial support conditional upon fulfilling specific requirements.

The analysis, conducted through a mixed-methods framework, identifies several systemic issues: errors in targeting beneficiaries, inadequate monitoring of conditionalities, and a lack of substantive impact on deep-rooted gender biases. The scheme’s benefits are often delayed, and its financial incentives fail to keep pace with inflation. Moreover, barriers such as cumbersome enrolment processes and societal norms limit the scheme’s effectiveness.

The brief recommends a holistic redesign of the Bhagyalakshmi scheme, integrating empowerment strategies and multi-tier cash incentives to promote girls’ education and autonomy. Proposed reforms include universalizing eligibility, enhancing education infrastructure, and adopting empowerment-focused program models. These measures aim to foster sustainable social change and improve outcomes for girl children in Karnataka.

Policy Brief Series 2 of 8

Jha, J., & Prasad, S. R. (2018). An Analysis of the Bhagyalakshmi Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme in Karnataka. Centre for Budget and Policy Studies.