New Delhi, Nov 28: The decision on direct cash payout of subsidies to beneficiaries from Jan 1, 2013 was taken keeping in mind the future of the country, not the next general elections, union minister Manish Tewari said Wednesday.
"The general elections will be held in April 2014. There are still almost two years left for them to take place. So please do not see this decision through the prism of the 2014 polls. Rather, see it as a way to change the future of India," the union minister of state (independent charge) for information and broadcasting told reporters.
"This scheme is in accordance with the law. It is an effort to secure the future of the country," said Tewari.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday announced direct cash payout of subsidies to beneficiaries from Jan 1, 2013 while chairing the first meeting of the National Committee on Direct Transfers.
The subsidy amount would be transferred to beneficiaries' bank accounts linked to Aadhaar cards.
The scheme is expected to cut down waste and corruption in the distribution of subsidised items.
Initially, the government will implement the scheme for cash transfer to the beneficiaries' accounts in 51 districts.
