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Basic Income and social cohesion: Exploring the effects of a BI pilot in informal settlements in Hyderabad

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  • Bashur, Diana
  • Mathur, Vibhor

Abstract

While Basic Income (BI) experiments have expanded globally, most evidence has focused on wellbeing, health, labour, and other individual-level indicators. Community-wide effects, such as social cohesion, remain relatively underexplored. This paper draws on mixed-methods research on a community-wide BI pilot implemented in informal settlements in Hyderabad. The pilot consisted of a cash payment and a ‘Plus’ in the form of relational support. We find significant positive effects on various social cohesion indicators, with participants reporting boosts in dignity, inclusive decision-making, trust, solidarity, cooperation and mutual support linked to the intervention. Our findings confirm the BI and wider cash transfer literature on the potential of unconditional and universal cash as a tool for strengthening social cohesion.

Suggested Citation

  • Bashur, Diana & Mathur, Vibhor, 2026. "Basic Income and social cohesion: Exploring the effects of a BI pilot in informal settlements in Hyderabad," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wodepe:v:41:y:2026:i:c:s245229292600007x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.wdp.2026.100764
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