The Economic Survey 2016-17 tabled in Parliament today has advocated the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty. <br/><br/>The survey suggests that a more efficient way to help the poor will be to provide them resources directly, through a UBI.<br/><br/>The survey juxtaposes the benefits and costs of the UBI scheme in the context of the philosophy of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. <br/><br/>The Survey says the UBI, based on the principles of universality, unconditionality and agency, is a conceptually appealing idea. However, a number of implementation challenges lie ahead especially the risk that it would become an add-on to, rather than a replacement of, current anti-poverty and social programmes, which would make it fiscally unaffordable. <br/><br/>The Survey concludes that the UBI is a powerful idea whose time even if not ripe for implementation, is ripe for serious discussion.