Privileged Few Reap Benefits as DBT Falters in U'Khand

Uttarakhand's DBT system remains incomplete, sparking farmer outrage over exclusion.

- TIKAM SHARMA

The Pushkar Singh Dhami-led BJP government in Uttarakhand has failed to fully implement the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in state-run schemes, despite official directives issued four years ago. The DBT system remains only partially operational across numerous agricultural and horticultural schemes, raising serious concerns about transparency and the continued exclusion of genuine beneficiaries.

Many farmers have alleged that they have not received payments through the DBT system. A local farmer, speaking anonymously to The Sunday Guardian, claimed that only those with close connections to regional or head office staff consistently benefit from government schemes.

"A small group of farmers is repeatedly favoured—often due to political influence, personal ties, or familiarity with bureaucratic processes—while many genuine and deserving farmers are excluded," he said.

He added that this has led to widespread frustration and a deep sense of injustice, especially among farmers in remote areas who lack direct access to officials or powerful intermediaries.