The Changing Environment?

Philippines
March 29, 2007 4:17am CST
Have you observe any societal changes in the way the poor has been served? We have the opportunity of getting to know the strategy of latin american countries in dealing with the poor in terms of access to basic social services through the conditional cash transfer scheme. In a nutshell, the scheme provides incentives to the poor by having their children or any of the household members access existing basic social services provided by the government such as primary and secondary education, health and nutrition programs, etc. The question is its appropriateness to third world countries when surplus funds are usually nil (Latin american countries have more resources than those in developing countries). We all know that the supply side (social services) isn't that comprehensive and complete, so why bother providing incentives when you need to strengthen your supply side first? The scheme is very noble but isn't it a double black eye for the taxpayer when the mere fact that you provide the supply side (social services) and still pay the benefciaries(thru the incentives) who gained from accessing the services? Go figure and have my thoughts clarified...
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