Direct Benefit Transfer : PAHAL-Pratyaksh Hanstaantarit Labh

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) : Pahal- Pratyaksh Hanstaantarit Labh

The objective of DBT Scheme is to ensure that  money under various developmental schemes reaches beneficiaries directly and without  any delay. The scheme has been launched in the country from January, 2013 and has  been rolled out in a phased manner, starting with 26 welfare schemes, in 43 districts.  The scheme has gained speed after the introduction of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana which gave people benefits of opening an account in the banks. This resulted in opening of over 16cr accounts of unbanked people, enabling government to completely launch the direct benefit transfer scheme Which was renamed as PAHAL. This scheme has resulted in govt. saving crores of rupees on subsidy bill. The Government has also started the transfer of cash subsidy for domestic LPG under Pahal: Pratyaksh Hanstaantarit Labh

Banks played a key role in implementation of DBT and this involves four important steps,

• Opening of accounts of all beneficiaries under Jan Dhan Yojana;
• Seeding of bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers and uploading on the NPCI mapper;
• Undertaking funds transfer using the National Automated Clearing House Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (NACH-APBS).
• Strengthening of banking infrastructure to enable beneficiary to withdraw  money

Banks are ensuring that all beneficiaries have a bank account. All banks have made provision for Aadhaar seeding in the CBS. All banks have also joined the Aadhaar Payment Bridge of National Payments

Corporation of India (NPCI). Banks are also issuing Aadhaar based debit cards(RUPAY) to beneficiaries.

Banks have been also strengthening banking infrastructure and providing business correspondents in areas, which were so far unsaved. BC’s have been provided Adhaar linking enabled machines with finger print and card swap faicility. Business correspondents can just enter the linked aadhaar number of the customer, get their finger print verified on the system and do transaction.

Banks have also been advised to provide an onsite ATM in all the branches in identified districts and a RUPAY Card to all beneficiaries to enable him / her to withdraw the money as per his ease and convenience. Issuance of a Debit Card to all beneficiaries to enable him / her to withdraw the money as per his ease and convenience will also strengthen the withdrawal infrastructure.