Budget 2013: Direct cash scheme to be extended to entire country, says P Chidambaram

NEW DELHI: Nearly 11 lakh poor people have benefitted from the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme which began on January one and will be rolled out throughout the country, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said today during his Budget speech in the Lok Sabha.

He said the "Aapka paisa aapke haath" concept has brought happiness to the poor who have received the benefits directly into their bank accoounts.

He said Government was determined to plug the leakages in the implementation of develepmental programmes meant for the poor and the deprived segments.

He said Government was redoubling its efforts to ensure that the digitised beneficiaries lists are available and that bank account is opened for each beneficiary and is seeded with Aadhaar in due course.