With the government bracing up for the roll-out of the direct benefits transfer (DBT) scheme, public sector banks across the country have initiated the process of linking Aadhaar card numbers with the respective bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
 
According to a report published in The Times of India, the move comes following a directive issued by the finance minister P Chidambaram, earlier this month, asking banks to stay prepared for the roll out of the DBT Scheme in which subsidies will be directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
 
Banks are currently in the process of notifying customers through various services including SMSs. The report quoted an SMS sent by Canara bank which said, “For getting LPG, MGNREGA and other subsidies direct to your account, please get your account linked with Aadhaar number.”
 
Under the DBT scheme, LPG consumers will receive Rs 4000 per annum directly into their bank accounts. At present LPG consumers purchase cylinders at a subsidized rate of Rs 410.50, however, once the DBT scheme is rolled out they will be required to purchase cylinders at an unsubsidised rate of Rs 901.50 per cylinder and the subsidy amount will be credited to ther respective accounts.
 
The deadline for the transfer of LPG subsidies is May 15 and the government hopes to eliminate ghost beneficiaries of LPG cylinders and check its diversion.