Financing rights: The macroeconomics of social welfare programmes

Ghosh, Jayati (2026) Financing rights: The macroeconomics of social welfare programmes. In: Realising right: a handbook of welfare in India. Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, pp. 28-51.

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Abstract

Over the years, many social welfare programmes in India have been recast as rights resulting in debates surrounding the means to finance these rights. There is a persistent tension in the allocation of finances between capital expenditure for big infrastructure and spending on social welfare policies. Critics see welfare expenditure as a net cost to society, inducing rigidities in the labour market. However, it has been observed that increased spending on social welfare policies has both short and long-term positive impacts for economic development. In the short term, it reduces poverty and inequalities while in the long run by creating a more educated and healthier workforce it contributes to higher productivity and growth. Welfare spending in India has been inadequate, although there exists a strong economic rationale to increase it and this can be achieved through a more progressive tax regime including wealth and inheritance taxes.

Item Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Ghosh, Jayati
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Social sciences > Economics > Public finance Social sciences > Economics > Macroeconomics & related topics Social sciences > Public administration
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > University Publications > Centre for the Study of the Indian Economy (CSIE)
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/7629
Publisher URL:	https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/

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