Union Minister Manish Tewari says, the decision on direct cash payout of subsidies to beneficiaries from the New Year Day was taken keeping in mind the future of the country, not the next general elections. He said the general elections will be held in April 2014. There are still almost two years left for them to take place. So, it should not be seen through the prism of the 2014 polls. He said it should be seen as a way to change the future of India. He said the scheme is in accordance with the law and it is is an effort to secure the future of the country.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday announced direct cash payout of subsidies to beneficiaries from January 1, 2013 while chairing the first meeting of the National Committee on Direct Transfers. The subsidy amount would be transferred to beneficiaries' bank accounts linked to Aadhaar cards. The scheme is expected to cut down waste and corruption in the distribution of subsidised items.

Initially, the government will implement the scheme for cash transfer to the beneficiaries' accounts in 51 districts.