  One important dimension of Conditional Cash Transfer Programs apart from
conditionality is the provision of continuous frequency of payouts. On the
contrary, the Apni Beti Apna Dhan program, implemented in the state of Haryana
in India from 1994 to 1998 offers a promised amount to female beneficiaries
redeemable only after attaining 18 years of age if she remains unmarried. This
paper assesses the impact of this long-term financial incentivization on
outcomes, not directly associated with the conditionality. Using multiple
datasets in a triple difference framework, the findings reveal a significant
positive impact on years of education though it does not translate into gains
in labor participation. While gauging the potential channels, we did not
observe higher educational effects beyond secondary education. Additionally,
impact on time allocation for leisure, socialization or self-care, age of
marriage beyond 18 years, age at first birth, and post-marital empowerment
indicators are found to be limited. These evidence indicate failure of the
program in altering the prevailing gender norms despite improvements in
educational outcomes. The paper recommends a set of complementary potential
policy instruments that include altering gender norms through behavioral
interventions skill development and incentives to encourage female work
participation.
