A Transparent and Effective Cash Assistance Program: Dream or Reality?

Dagher, Leila (2021): A Transparent and Effective Cash Assistance Program: Dream or Reality?

Abstract

This policy brief proposes a quasi-universal cash transfer program that is essential and timely, particularly in light of the dire socio-economic situation in the country. However, the program should be very carefully designed and implemented in a transparent manner so as not to be used as a medium for vote-buying. Ensuring strong oversight mechanisms and anti-corruption safeguards also provides an opportunity to regain the trust of the Lebanese and other stakeholders, which is the cornerstone of any successful economic recovery plan.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: lebanon; cash transfer; social assistance; economics crisis
• Subjects: H - Public Economics > H1 - Structure and Scope of Government > H12 - Crisis Management; H - Public Economics > H5 - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies > H53 - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs; H - Public Economics > H5 - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies > H55 - Social Security and Public Pensions

References

Central Administration of Statistics August 2021 Report on the Consumer Price Index.

Dagher, Leila, Nehme Raoul 2021 “Lebanon’s misguided government subsidies are quickly eating up its foreign reserves.” Lebanon’s Misguided Government Subsidies are Quickly Eating up its Foreign Reserves (intpolicydigest.org) .

ESCWA policy brief #21-00634. “Multidimensional poverty in Lebanon (2019-2021).”

Amundsen, Inge. “Covid-19, cash transfers, and corruption.” U4 Brief 9 (2020).