TMC, SP, BJD seek discussion in RS on Aadhar being linked to benefits

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have given a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking discussion on the issue of people without Aadhar cards being deprived of several benefits.

According to sources, the notices were given under Rule 267 to suspend all business and to hold the discussion on the issue.

Recently, the government had linked several benefit schemes to Aadhar, including the pension.

Earlier, the government had set an ambitious target of bringing all subsidies and welfare schemes under the Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) by March 31, 2017.

The DBT programme was launched on January 1, 2013 with regard to 24 selected schemes of eight ministries.

As per reports, the scope of DBT has been expanded to include cash transfer to individual beneficiaries through (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labha or Pahal), transfer of LPG subsidy to individual consumers, wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and National Social Assistance Programme.