Cash transfers, welfare

Unconditional cash transfers (September 7) can provide valuable support to women, particularly where household incomes are uncertain and unpaid care work remains largely unrecognised. However, welfare schemes should not become a source of political uncertainty for their beneficiaries. Governments should publish clear eligibility criteria, provide simple grievance-redress mechanisms, and regularly review exclusion errors. Payments should also be accompanied by opportunities for employment, skill development, and access to essential services. This would make welfare less dependent on recurring cash assistance. At the same time, fiscal costs must be assessed honestly, since resources are limited. The objective should be to combine immediate support with measures that improve household security and economic independence. Welfare is most effective when it strengthens citizens’ choices rather than merely fostering dependence.

Abbharna Barathi,

Chennai

Seeking Gen Z online

Following the Cockroach Janta Party and Gen Z protests, the Prime Minister reportedly urged Ministers to engage more frequently with Gen Z through social media platforms. Soon, MPs — and increasingly, Ministers — began adopting Gen Z terminology and digital idioms. A more recent trend is even more revealing: AI-generated “retro” images portraying political leaders as their younger selves in the 1980s. There is nothing wrong with politicians having a little fun on social media. But the trend raises a larger question: are they mistaking the medium for the message? The Election Commission of India cautioned political parties and candidates in October 2025 about the use of AI-generated and synthetic content. That caution deserves attention as political communication embraces AI. Gen Z is unlikely to be won over merely because politicians adopt its language, platforms or nostalgia.

N. Nagarajan,

Secunderabad