How India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Saved ₹3.5 Lakh Crore and Transformed Welfare Delivery
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What is Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)? Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a government initiative in India aimed at reforming the system of welfare delivery by transferring subsidies and financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. It was formally launched in January 2013 and significantly expanded post-2014 under the Modi government as a key pillar of the Digital India mission . The DBT system utilizes the JAM trinity — Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile phones — to ensure direct, traceable, and efficient delivery of public welfare funds, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Key Findings: ₹3.48 Lakh Crore in Savings A recent report by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation , as cited by the Ministry of Finance , has revealed that DBT has led to cumulative savings of ₹3.48 lakh crore from 2009 to 2024 . These savings are primarily attributed to plugging leakages in subsidy delivery, eliminating ghost beneficiaries , and reducing administrative overheads ...