Project Deep

Project DEEP's  flagship program entails universal and unconditional cash transfers in indigent communities. The program is inspired by the global mov Read moreement that now has  over 300 studies  demonstrating its positive impact. India's contribution in this conversation towards greater adoption is scant; as compared to 100 experiments in the US, India currently only has two active programs (apart from govt DBTs). Our mission is to shift the paradigm and mainstream cash transfers to eradicate poverty. We completed a program last May, disbursing INR 65,000 each, to all 50 families in Krishnapur, Wardha in Maharashtra, with no strings attached. The village constitutes Kolam, an Adivasi community, designated as a Scheduled Tribe officially. In August, we conducted a utilization survey to understand where this money was used, and the results were heartening. The total land tilled has gone up by 50% (47 additional acres) this year as compared to last year, generating employment for more than 35 women and men. We saw some diverse usage of funds as well, to increase and diversify income, and to fulfill unique needs of transport, sanitation, and healthcare. Security needs were fulfilled and assets were created, but most importantly dignity and confidence were restored. You can listen to the voices of the community  here. We are very excited about these results and the validation of the potential impact that cash transfer programs can have in communities. We aim to scale this program to 1,600 households in Rajasthan and Maharashtra in the next three years. The / Nudge incubator provides relevant insights and access to a large network as we work towards this goal.