PM approves DBT scheme to 78 more districts

BANGALORE, INDIA: After having reviewed the progress of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh has approved the expansion of Direct Benefit Transfers. This approval marks the inclusion of 78 more districts, 3 more pension schemes under DBT.

"I am happy that we are expanding the program to 78 more districts. With this, we will cover over 120 districts which is roughly one-fifth of the country. I am also happy that we will be including  the three pension schemes of Rural Development under the programme," quoted an official release issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

The PM assured that, a number of operational issues have been resolved and the progress seems to be encouraging. PM has expressed the need for renewing the efforts for the implementation of the programme as the certain difficulties existing in the programme were not anticipated before.

"I have been told that the exercise of implementing Direct Benefits Transfers has revealed the unsatisfactory nature of tracking and monitoring systems we have in various departments. If we need to ensure that the money we spend delivers outcomes, it is necessary that we have a robust monitoring system in place. That is one of the things that Direct Benefits Transfers will achieve, in addition to making the process of getting benefits simpler for the beneficiaries and eliminating corruption and wastage," said the Prime Minister.

He has also urged the Planning commission, Finance Ministry and other Departments concerned, to commit to this initiative.

While stressing on the financial inclusion, the PM said, "The banking system needs to integrate the post office system which is widespread. It also needs to ensure that the front end infrastructure is in place, so that people have no trouble opening bank accounts and have easy access to their cash. There should be a system in place where people can get a bank account on demand, if they have an Aadhaar card."

Singh has also said that, Aadhaar coverage should be adequate and it should be available on demand.