Direct subsidy soon for more schemes: FM

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 24

The government today said it will consider extending Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidies to some other Central schemes and also include food distribution under the scheme.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha that subsidies on commodities like food and fertiliser will be continued to support the weaker sections of the society.

“As far as the products which are entirely used by the weaker sections of society are concerned, what is to be provided to them as food or fertiliser in certain cases, these are subsidies in order to protect the weaker sections of society, which will ordinarily remain,” he said.

Replying to questions, Jaitley said, “We will definitely consider extending DBT to other schemes). This is an alternative method. In the coming days, we will move towards it. Till the time we are fully ready with the IT backbone, it is not possible.”

Jaitley said that while the fiscal deficit target was challenging the government will not compromise on building public infrastructure and irrigation.