States set to increase women's DBT payouts following PM-EAC advocacy?

Several progressive Indian states are expected to increase the financial assistance provided to women under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. This development follows a strong recommendation from the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). In a recent study evaluating major state-level unconditional cash transfer initiatives, such as Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and Odisha’s Subhadra Yojana, the advisory panel advocated for periodic revisions of payout amounts to counteract inflation and align with evolving household expenditures.

The EAC-PM report highlights that targeting cash transfers directly to women yields disproportionately higher gains in household welfare, healthcare, and education.