Karnataka unveils direct benefit transfer app

Bengaluru, June 10 (IANS) The Karnataka government on Thursday rolled out its own direct benefit transfer app to disburse funds to beneficiaries through 120 schemes.

Launching the application, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said the platform was developed by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (e-governance).

"The government's intention to bring in transparency in governance will be fulfilled when all citizens make best use of the DBT app and keep informed about the transfer benefits," he said.

The state government had credited Rs 12,000 crore directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries availing the 120 schemes during the last 2 years.

"The app will also eliminate misuse of funds, middlemen and loopholes, as accounts of beneficiaries are linked to their Aadhar unique identity number," said the Chief Minister.

The state government has disbursed economic relief aid to all the beneficiaries affected by the Covid pandemic's first and second waves.

"All schemes providing financial assistance to the beneficiaries have been linked to the DBT scheme," said Yediyurappa.

The app identifies beneficiaries through their Aadhar number, which is considered as their address and directly transfers cash into their Aadhar-linked bank account.

The app, which can be downloaded through Google Playstore and registered through e-KYC, will connect to the National Payments Corporation of India, and update on the present status of bank seeding.

"The DBT mobile app will also provide scheme-wise information on instalments of transferred amount, date of digital payment, bank account number and UTR (unique transaction reference) number," said DBT app project director Jayanthi.