Question : DIRECT CASH TRANSFER

(a) Whether the Government has implemented any scheme recently for direct transfer of cash to the beneficiary`s bank account;

(b) If so, the details thereof including the eligibility criteria laid down for the purpose

(c) The items identified for the purpose, the number of beneficiaries and the amount of funds transferred till date, item and State-wise; and

(d) Whether the Government proposes to expand the area of coverage and the items included under the scheme and if so, the details thereof?

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman)

(a) To (c): Direct Benefit Transfer was rolled out on 1.1.2013 in selected 27 schemes pertaining to scholarships, pensions and benefits to women and children. It is implemented in 121 identified districts. The eligibility criteria for the beneficiaries remain the same as in the individual schemes of the concerned Ministries. The details of the schemes, number of beneficiaries and amount of funds transferred till date is at Annexure-I.

(d) There is presently no such proposal.