UPSC Mains 2015 · GS III · Q5 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India ? Discuss.

हिन्दी में

प्रत्यक्ष लाभ अंतरण (डी.बी.टी.) के द्वारा कीमत सहायिकी का प्रतिस्थापन भारत में सहायिकियों के परिदृश्य का किस प्रकार परिवर्तन कर सकता है ? चर्चा कीजिए ।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Critically analyse the suitability of direct benefits transfer as an alternative to the existing Public Distribution System.”

Anudeep DurishettyAIR 1 · CSE 2017 · 262 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Direct benefit transfer means to put subsidy money in the bank account of the beneficiary in lieu of in-kind transfer.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
- Central Node: Features of DBT - Check leakages - Less expensive, more effective - Agency, freedom to beneficiary - Efficient money transfer - Bank account - Aadhaar linkage

Current PDS is saddled with problems:

ProcurementStorageDistribution
1. Flawed Msp leading to monoculture1. Mandi infrastructure is deplorable1. Beneficiary identification
2. Wastage of grain2. Grain losses due to rain2. Transport challenges
3. Price collapse3. No value addition3. Corruption & leakage in PDS scheme
4. Lack of awareness of MSP4. Filth, rodents

Thus DBT is seen as effective antidote to PDS flaws.

DBT is beneficialDBT is harmful
1. Efficient transfer of money1. Might fuel inflation
2. Leads to money savings. WB report says ₹80000 cr saved till now due to Aadhar2. Men may use money to buy sin goods (alcohol)
3. Agency to the poor to invest money3. Huge Financial burden on State
4. Checks corruption & leakages4. Technological challenges such as flawed Aadhar biometrics can lead to denial of benefits
5. Efficient markets5. DBT means abdication of State responsibility towards marketisation
6. No wastage in Mandis6. No Financial inclusion

Thus DBT has both positives & Negative.

Close · a way forward

As E-survey points out, DBT must be introduced in a pilot basis, and financial inclusion be strengthened for it to be beneficial to all

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper III, Q5. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.