Whats the worth of a promise? Evaluating the indirect effects of a program to reduce early marriage in India

TL;DR

This study evaluates the long-term effects of India's Apni Beti Apna Dhan program, finding it increased education but did not significantly change marriage age, labor participation, or gender norms.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive impact assessment of a conditional cash transfer program's indirect effects on gender norms and social outcomes in India.

Findings

Increased years of education among beneficiaries

No significant increase in labor participation

Limited impact on gender norms and social behaviors

Abstract

One important dimension of Conditional Cash Transfer Programs apart from conditionality is the provision of continuous frequency of payouts. On the contrary, the Apni Beti Apna Dhan program, implemented in the state of Haryana in India from 1994 to 1998 offers a promised amount to female beneficiaries redeemable only after attaining 18 years of age if she remains unmarried. This paper assesses the impact of this long-term financial incentivization on outcomes, not directly associated with the conditionality. Using multiple datasets in a triple difference framework, the findings reveal a significant positive impact on years of education though it does not translate into gains in labor participation. While gauging the potential channels, we did not observe higher educational effects beyond secondary education. Additionally, impact on time allocation for leisure, socialization or self-care, age of marriage beyond 18 years, age at first birth, and post-marital empowerment indicators are found to be limited. These evidence indicate failure of the program in altering the prevailing gender norms despite improvements in educational outcomes. The paper recommends a set of complementary potential policy instruments that include altering gender norms through behavioral interventions skill development and incentives to encourage female work participation.