End DBT infrastructure in 78 more districts by May 31: Govt to banks

The finance ministry has asked all the public sector undertaking banks to complete infrastructure network for the roll out of direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme in the 78 more districts by May 31.

The second phase of ambitious DBT scheme is scheduled to operational from July 1 in the select districts spread across 19 states and two union territories. In first phase that started from January 1, 43 districts were identified for DBT transfer of 26 government schemes.

“Banks would on priority ensure that banking infrastructure is provided in the 78 identified districts by May 31,” finance ministry said in a written directive to heads of the state-owned banks.

Banks would be required to strengthen the banking infrastructure, particularly in the areas so far not covered by the banking services, it said.

The ministry has also asked the banks to undertake focussed programme for issuance of debit cards, particularly to the beneficiaries under the various schemes, so that they are able to draw the benefit as per their convenience. It should be ensured that account opening and issuance of debit card for all the beneficiaries is completed by May 31, it said.

Banks have been directed to install and operationalise ATMs at all branches in identified 121 districts by June 30.

In view of the roll out of DBT, it is important that the 43 districts of Phase-I and the 78 districts of Phase-II are taken up on priority for installation of ATMs, it said.

According to the directive, banks would seed Aadhaar Number into the bank account of the beneficiaries based on the details received from the district administration or concerned department.

“Since these governmental agencies would have already verified the Aadhaar Number, there would be no need for the banks to reconfirm the Aadhaar,” it said.

Aadhaar details received from the district administration or department must be seeded promptly without delay and uploaded on the NPCI Mapper at the end of every day, it added.