Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has set up a National Committe that would monitor the efficient and timely implementation of direct transfer of government welfare benefits to individual bank accounts of the benefeciaries through electronic cash transfer.

AIR Correspondent reports, the move follows Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's strong resolve to improve transparency, reduce corruption and check leakages and wasteful expenditure in the implementation of the Government welfare programs meant for the common man, the poor and weaker sections of the society. An offical statement said, the Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system linked to Aadhaar, Unique identity number has succesfully been tested out and would be used to transfer government Cash benefits that include, wages to poor labourers under MGNAREGA, Scholarships, Pensions, other income supports and Health Benefits for the poor and needy.

Based on the encouraging results of EBT pilots that were tested out, the Government and RBI have already issued Guidelines to Banks for implementation of EBT. Pilots are under implementation, including in AP, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, TN, WB, Karnataka, Puducherry and Sikkim. Our Correspondent reports, the Prime Minister's Architecture for direct Transfer of government benefits would work under the National Ministerial Committee which would report directly to Dr. Singh.

The National Ministerial Committee comprises of ministers of concerned ministries that roll out subsidies and welfare assistance to the people, the Planning Commission and the UIDAI. This committee at the highest level would ensure coordination and monitoring of the timely implementation of the program. A National Executive Commitee comprising of Secretaries of all concerned ministries has also been set up to coordinate action, and ensure adherence to time lines and ensure smooth implementation of the Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system.