Conditional Cash Transfer Programs: An Effective Tool for Poverty Alleviation?

This paper addresses the welfare of the vulnerable and needy, cash transfers-both conditional and unconditional are among the important safety net programs. This brief focuses on conditional cash transfers (CCT) that are increasingly perceived as an effective tool for poverty alleviation. CCT programs have the ability to enhance both the income of the poor in the short run, and their human capabilities in the medium and long run. The brief discusses issues related to the rationale and implementation of CCT programs and assesses their effectiveness.