Improving Perception Towards Gender Equality Through Cash Transfer Scheme: A Case of Haryana

Abstract

This article examines the role of conditional cash transfer—Apki Beti Hamari Beti (ABHB)—in addressing the issue of declining sex ratio through its impact on gender preferences and perception about gender equality in the state of Haryana. The study is conducted in two districts of Haryana—Jhajjar (lowest child sex ratio in the state) and Nuh (highest sex ratio in the state). Three hundred women respondents were interviewed to understand the extent of awareness and access to the scheme in both regions. The results of the study revealed that the ABHB scheme has influenced changing people’s attitudes considerably towards the girl child. But, the level of awareness of the scheme is relatively less in Jhajjar due to which not many households are able to access the scheme. The Anganwadi workers (AWWs) have played an instrumental role in improving people awareness and accessibility of ABHB scheme. It is important to increase the participation of AWWs by the provision of incentives to them for increasing awareness and utilisation of ABHB scheme by eligible beneficiaries.