India, which has long subsidized grain, fuel and agricultural products, has taken the unexpected step of paying women aged 21-65 simply to run the household, shouldering the main burden of caring for the family, which is never paid, the BBC reports.
118 million housewives in 12 Indian states already receive such payments. Thus, India is conducting one of the world's largest social experiments.
The payments range from 1,000 to 2,500 rupees ($12-30) per month. The amount is small, about 5-12% of household income, but it is stable. Women usually spend it on family and household needs: children's education, food, medical and emergency expenses, paying off small debts and sometimes on personal purchases such as gold or trinkets.
In addition, this benefit has enormous significance in a broader sense: predictable income, a sense of control over one's life, and a sense of independence.
