Direct benefit transfer for fertilizers proposed

The government will introduce on a pilot basis direct transfer of subsidy on fertilisers to the farmers, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday, presenting the Union Budget for 2016-17.

"We have already introduced Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in LPG. Based on this successful experience, we propose to introduce DBT on pilot basis for fertilizer in a few districts across the country, with a view to improving the quality of service delivery to farmers," said Jaitley.

He also said that the government would introduce a bill for targeted delivery of financial and other subsidies, benefits and services by using the Aadhaar framework.

"The bill will be introduced in the current budget session. The Aadhaar number or authentication shall not, however, confer any right of citizenship or domicile. A social security platform will be developed using Aadhaar to accurately target beneficiaries. This will be a transformative piece of legislation which will benefit the poor," said Jaitley.

He also said the ration shops would be automated.

"Of the 5.35 lakh Fair Price Shops in the country, automation facilities will be provided in three lakh Fair Price Shops by March 2017."