A high-powered committee set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure direct electronic cash transfer (ECT) of subsidies under various government welfare programmes will hold its first meeting on November 26.

"The first meeting of the National Committee on ECTs to be chaired by the PM will be held on November 26," sources close to the development said.

The scheme on ECT is being introduced with an aim to check corruption and pilferage in distribution of subsidised items.

The Committee was set up last month to determine broad policy objectives and strategies for ECTs and identify government programmes and schemes for which ECTs to individuals can be adopted.

The Committee has 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 suggest the extent and scope of ECTs in each case besides specifying timelines for the rollout of scheme.

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

The National Committee on Cash Transfers will review the progress of implementation of ECTs and provide guidance for mid-course corrections.