Jairam Ramesh puts off launch of direct cash transfer scheme

"The launch of the direct cash transfer scheme at Gollaprollu mandal by Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has been postponed to January 6," district collector Neetu Kumari Prasad said today.

A communication to this effect was received from the Union minister's office, she said without elaborating.

Gollaprolu block was selected for the launch of the Aadhar-based 'Direct Cash Transfer' scheme as the pilot project. There are 42 shops in this mandal and 35 shops have been selected for this scheme, the collector said.

"Under the scheme, the subsidy amount will not be deposited in the bank accounts of the card-holders immediately but one month after the amount is credited in their accounts," the collector said, adding that the beneficiaries will receive an SMS alert once the amount is deposited.

Under the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), developed by National Payment Corporation of India, a beneficiary holding a unique identification number, can carry out financial transactions using a micro-ATM provided by local bank correspondent.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREG) wages in Jharkhand, social old age pension in Tripura and scholarship disbursement in Maharashtra are being serviced through the AEPS.