Indian experience in basic income ‘emancipating’, says Dr. Sarath Davala

Dr. Sarath Davala the coordinator for India Network for Basic Income (INBI) will be presenting the Indian experience in trying out a basic income model in India at the OPA auditorium on 18 July at 4:30 p.m. He will be speaking on the ‘Emancipatory powers of Basic Income’.

Basic income is defined by Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) as “a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement.”

This pilot project funded by UNICEF, passed the test in gold standards of randomised controlled trials (RCT) and has been hailed as a very successfully and scientifically conducted trial to ascertain the sustainability of the concept of Basic Income.

The presentation will be hosted by Basic Income Sri Lanka (BISL). Basic Income Sri Lanka (BISL) was set up by a few like-minded people to raise awareness of the concept and the importance of Basic Income in the current economic context. 

Recently BISL held workshops among the vulnerable groups that find it difficult to access livelihood opportunities. Volunteer artists working in drama groups in the south, war affected female headed households in the north and fisherwomen’s unions in the east are some of the groups targeted.

At these workshops artists from Stages Group and Mind Adventure Group brought out the plight of artists who make a valuable contribution to art and culture in Sri Lanka but suffer from financial insecurities due to lack of sustainable income. It was also clear that despite some livelihood opportunities projects being implemented by various actors, the widows in Uruthirapuram and Vattakachchi Women’s Rural Development Societies remained vulnerable and financially insecure. 

BISL has initiated a study, based on the workshop findings, to explore the effects of basic income on vulnerable families by selecting five households and awarding a basic income grant for a period of two years for each of the family. This study will research the behavioural changes of the family members, benefits to the individual family and immediate community around the family. 

Participation in the event at OPA on the 18 July can be organised by contacting the organisers at [email protected].