Impact Evaluation of a Saving Intervention in Indian Slums

This project tests the effectiveness of a new "soft commitment" device for increasing savings rates and reducing temptation spending among urban slum dwellers in the city of Pune, India. We distribute sealed savings boxes to 1525 participants. 50% of participants are randomised into the treatment group in order to receive an additional portable savings device (a "carry-around" purse). We test whether the labelling and reminder function of this portable savings device can reduce impulsive spending and increase savings rates more effectively than a stationary commitment device only. We also investigate effects on overall household spending patterns, self-efficacy, resilience to health shocks, and female empowerment.

This project is a collaboration with Rucha Vasumati Satish (University of Göttingen), Felix Stips (Center for Evaluation, CEVal) and Sebastian Vollmer (University of Göttingen).