Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram has described the government's direct cash transfer scheme as nothing less than magical.

Speaking at an election workshop in Mumbai for the 2014 Lok Sabha election and Maharashtra assembly elections, he yesterday dwelt on the merits of the direct cash transfer scheme.

He said that the move will plug the loopholes in the delivery mechanism and ensure that poor get complete benefits of government schemes.

Through the cash transfer scheme the government plans to transfer cash benefits of over two dozen central schemes directly to beneficiary accounts. The scheme will be launched in 51 districts on January 1.

Around 200 office-bearers and state congress leaders attended the event organised by the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, MPCC.