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Workfare and infant health: Evidence from India's public works program

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  • Chari, A.V.
  • Glick, Peter
  • Okeke, Edward
  • Srinivasan, Sinduja V.

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between maternal employment and infant health in the context of a large workfare program that explicitly prioritizes female participation, India's National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Using multiple estimation strategies including a triple difference strategy that exploits a discontinuity in program eligibility at age 18, we find that the program had negative impacts on newborn infant survival, increasing newborn mortality among women who were eligible to participate in the program.

Suggested Citation

  • Chari, A.V. & Glick, Peter & Okeke, Edward & Srinivasan, Sinduja V., 2019. "Workfare and infant health: Evidence from India's public works program," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 116-134.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:138:y:2019:i:c:p:116-134
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2018.12.004
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    8. Bagavathinathan, Karan Singh & Chaurey, Ritam, 2020. "Workfare programs and children’s meals intake: Evidence from India," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    9. Chatterjee, Jagori & Merfeld, Joshua D., 2021. "Protecting girls from droughts with social safety nets," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    10. Chari, A.V. & Valli, Elsa, 2021. "The effect of subsidized childcare on the supply of informal care: Evidence from public kindergarten provision in the US," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    11. Melaku, Astewale Bimr & Debela, Bethelhem Legesse & Qaim, Matin, 2023. "Women’s employment in high-value agriculture and child nutrition: Evidence from the Ethiopian cut-flower industry," 2023 Annual Meeting, July 23-25, Washington D.C. 335848, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    12. Melaku, Astewale Bimr & Qaim, Matin & Debela, Bethelhem Legesse, 2023. "Maternal employment in high-value agriculture and child nutrition: Evidence from the Ethiopian cut-flower industry," Discussion Papers 338968, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF).

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