High in the Himalayas, Sikkim is one of the tiniest states in India. But it is about to embark¹ on an experiment of global interest.

 

位于喜马拉雅山坡上的锡金是印度最小的邦之一，但这里即将进行一项全球瞩目的试验。

 

Sikkim's ruling party has announced an ambitious plan to implement² a universal basic income for every one of its 610,577 citizens.

 

If successful, the scheme would represent the largest trial run anywhere in the world of a concept that supporters such as Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg say could provide a safety net, help alleviate³ poverty and address the challenge of job automation.

 

Detractors, meanwhile, say it would reduce the incentive⁴ to work and would come at a huge expense.

 

A universal basic income is a regular, guaranteed income paid by the government, universally and unconditionally⁵, to all citizens. It is a cash payment that aims to replace the often confusing array of assistance that states offer to citizens and place spending decisions in the hands of recipients⁶.

 

"If there is one chance of it happening anywhere, it is Sikkim," said P.D. Rai, the sole member of India's Parliament from the state.

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