India's Sikkim state proposes universal basic income scheme

Ruling party to include idea in manifesto ahead of upcoming state elections

A float of the Indian state of Sikkim during a rehearsal for the Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi, on Jan 23, 2019.
A float of the Indian state of Sikkim during a rehearsal for the Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi, on Jan 23, 2019.PHOTO: AFP
Debarshi Dasgupta India Correspondent In New Delhi
  • Published
    Jan 28, 2019, 5:00 am SGT
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Punching above its weight, the tiny Indian Himalayan state of Sikkim has proposed to introduce a universal basic income (UBI) for all its residents, the first such move by any Indian state.

It has been pitched by the state's ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) as an idea that will be included in its manifesto for the state elections due in another three months.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 28, 2019, with the headline 'India's Sikkim state proposes universal basic income scheme'. Subscribe
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