Direct benefit transfers 16% lower at ₹5.8 lakh cr

At Slow Pace

- PRASANTA SAHU

THE CENTRE'S TRANSFER of assorted subsidies and sops to the beneficiaries through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) fell by 16% year-on-year to approximately ₹5.8 lakh crore in FY25, reflecting reduced leakages and a slower pace of implementation in certain schemes.

DBT transfers had reached a record ₹7.16 lakh crore in FY23, primarily due to the free grains scheme and higher fertiliser subsidies driven by soaring prices.

The delay in rolling out new or revamped schemes following the presentation of the full Budget in July contributed to the decline. For instance, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) disbursed ₹21,356 crore in FY25, marking a 38% drop from ₹34,306 crore in FY24.