This Scheme by the Indian Government Has Set a Guinness World Record

In January 2013, the Indian Government started the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme, which has now set a Guinness World Record. The scheme, which is primarily aimed at citizens living below the poverty line, has facilitated the transfer of Rs. 40,000 crore so far.

By Vandita Kapoor

December 28, 2015

India, the country with the second-largest population in the world, has now set a new world record — this time spurred by a government scheme.

The government’s “Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme” now has a place in the Guinness World Records as the largest direct benefit transfer scheme.

direct benefit transfer world record

Source: Twitter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this announcement on Sunday.

“It gives me immense pleasure to announce that the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme has recently found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and it has been implemented successfully,” the prime minister said during the December “Mann Ki Baat”, his monthly radio address to the nation.

He said that Rs. 40,000 crore has already been transferred to beneficiary accounts through direct transfer.

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme was launched by the government on January 1, 2013. It’s aim is to deliver subsidies to people through a direct transfer into their bank accounts. Citizens can thus bypass an often circuitous and tedious government mechanism and can obtain funds directly. This also enables transparency and prevents funds from being pilfered or misused.

The scheme primarily targets citizens who are living below the poverty line.

direct benefit transfer world record

Image for representation only. Source: Wikipedia

As of now, 30–40 government schemes are making use of DBT. Funds are transferred with the help of Jan Dhan Yojana and Aadhar cards. A large number of LPG subsidies and student scholarships, among other schemes, have been provided through direct transfer.

Featured image for representation only. Source: Wikipedia

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