PM forms comm on implementation of cash transfer scheme

New Delhi, October 27: Moving ahead with the ambitious plan for direct electronic cash transfer, PM Manmohan Singh has set up a high-powered committee headed by him which will identify the schemes to be covered and ensure smooth rollout of the programme within specified timelines.

The National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers will have 11 cabinet ministers, two ministers of state with independent charge, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, the Chairman UIDAI and the Cabinet Secretary as its members.

The Committee will act as a mechanism to coordinate action for the introduction of direct cash transfers to individuals under the various government schemes and programmes, a PMO statement said.

The scheme, which is expected to benefit one-fourth of the country's population, is being introduced to check corruption and pilferage of subsidised items.

The Committee would "provide an overarching vision and direction to enable direct cash transfers of benefits under various government schemes and programmes to individuals, leveraging the investments being made in the Aadhaar Project, financial inclusion and other initiatives of the Government, with the objective of enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability," the statement said.

It will determine broad policy objectives and strategies for direct cash transfers and identify government programmes and schemes for which direct cash transfers to individuals can be adopted.

The Committee will suggest the extent and scope of direct cash transfers in each case besides specifying timelines for the rollout of scheme, the statement said.

It will coordinate with various ministries and departments involved in enabling direct cash transfers and ensure timely, coordinated action to ensure speedy rollout of direct cash transfers across the country, the PMO said.