Kiran Bedi reiterates advantages of DBT system for free rice scheme

Territorial Lieutenant Goverr Kiran Bedi on Saturday reiterated vants of direct benefit transfer (DBT) system to pay cash equivalent of quantum of rice as envisd under government's free rice scheme.

Expressing concern over "incorrect information being tred on rice scheme repeatedly," she said in a whatsapp mess that if government opted procurement of riceit would have to spend money from its existing budget to buy rice "at a higher price, store rice in its godownsand release and distribute rice."

former IPS officer said this would mean government would have to spend money when it does t have funds r have it provisioned for.

She contended this would also le "to a reversal of current policy in practice of government of India for transfer of money for rice to bank accounts of beneficiaries giving buyers a choice to buy fresh rice from market at a time when y want rice."

She said it is in public interest to ensure that what belongs to people goes directly to m without any loss in transmission.

DBT system of operating free rice scheme would prevent huge leaks and give people a choice of time, quality and place of purchase alongside breaking through vested interests with contractor waiting to be paid for bills, she said.