Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said, a new system to disburse scholarships, subsidies and other financial benefits directly to the economically weaker people will start from January 1 next year. This will do away with middlemen and ensure that benefits reach the target groups. Speaking at a function in Sivaganga, Tamilnadu, he said, the first phase of the scheme will be implemented in 51 districts across the country. New districts would be covered in phases once in three months and all districts would be covered in another 18 months. Mr. Chidambaram said, old age pension, scholarships, Minimum wages under Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, subsidies for ration and LPG would be paid directly to the beneficiaries.