Millions of people will be benefitted by the roll out of subsidies of 29 Schemes through direct cash transfer to bank accounts of beneficiaries in 51 districts across the country from 1st January next year. Breifing newsmen at the AICC office in New Delhi, Finance Minister P.Chidambaram said, 42 Schemes have been identified for the Aadhar linked direct cash transfer that would eliminate leakage and duplication of cash benefits extended by the government to the people. The finance Minister said, out of 42 schemes, 29 are ready to be rolled out on 1st January while the rest of schemes will follow within few days. He said, banking correspondents including Self help groups and other organisations, will be utilized for distribution of subsidies. He said, the beneficiaries in villages will be able to withdraw their cash through miniature hand held mobile ATMs using ATM cards of their bank accounts.

Mr. Chidambaram said, out of the Schemes ready for roll out of direct cash subsidies, 14 are Scholarship schemes of the Ministry of social justice and empowerments, five from Labour and employment ministry, four from Human Resources Development and three from the Minority Affairs Ministry among others. He said, the infrastructure is ready and the ministries have been asked to finalise database of benefeciaries. He said, the Banks and State governements have been sensitised on the electronic banking transfer of subsidies. He said, food and fertilizer subsidies have not been included as of now.

Rural Development Minister Jai Ramesh said, through direct transfer of subsidies, beneficiaries including pensioners, the poor and underprivileged will be benefitted.