India, Jan. 30 -- Economic Survey 2025-26 estimates states will spend about Rs.1.7 lakh crore on cash transfer schemes for women

Report warns unconditional transfers are widening fiscal and revenue deficits in several states

Survey questions long-term gains for employment, nutrition and education

Government paper urges shifting towards conditional and time-bound cash assistance

Unconditional cash transfers to women could place a heavy strain on state finances, with an estimated Rs 1.7 lakh crore likely to be spent on such schemes in the 2025-26 financial year, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament on January 29, 2026.

While acknowledging that cash assistance can provide immediate income support to women, the ...