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Poverty Relief Programs in Postcommunist Countries: A Case Study on the Albanian and Chinese Programs

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  • Gentian Qejvanaj

Abstract

Social assistance is a cash transfer program targeting the poorest households. China has created the Dibao (DB), meaning minimum livelihood guarantee, the most extensive unconditional cash transfer program globally with over 70 million people covered, whereas in Albania, the Ndhime Ekonomike (NE) meaning financial help covers around 15% of the total working-age population. Both programs are means-tested, have strict requirements for eligibility, and have been enlarged and modified in time to improve targeting and tackling leakage. In this article, we will look at similarities and common issues first, and then calculate the cost of enlarging both programs to all working-age population with no means-testing. We argue that a UBI (universal basic income) can increase private expenditure in health and education while costing less than 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) in both countries’ rural areas. We will conclude by looking at how the COVID-19 outbreak is pushing developing countries toward a UBI by first adopting a temporary basic income (TBI).

Suggested Citation

  • Gentian Qejvanaj, 2021. "Poverty Relief Programs in Postcommunist Countries: A Case Study on the Albanian and Chinese Programs," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(2), pages 21582440211, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:11:y:2021:i:2:p:21582440211027871
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440211027871
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