In his tweet Dr. U S Awasthi said “With 10 cr consumers joining the #DBT for #LPG, #IFFCO hopes that the #DBT scheme can be soon implemented for #fertilizer #subsidy.”
With the success of direct benefit transfer scheme (DBT), about 10 crore LPG consumers would get cash subsidy in their bank accounts to buy market priced cooking fuel in just two months. Media touts it as the world’s largest direct benefit transfer that would help end black marketing.
“The scheme will bring an end to black-marketeering and subsidy will reach people more effectively. Its role in nation-building is important,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Dr Awasthi in his next tweet requested everyone concerned from the Prime Minister to Finance Minister to Chemical Minister to Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh to help realizes the DBT in case of fertilizer subsidy too.
IFFCO MD tweeted: #iffco urges @narendramodi , @arunjaitley , @AnanthKumar_BJP & @singhradhamohan to seriously look into #DBT of #fertiliser #subsidy
IFFCO, the largest farmers’ Fertiliser cooperative of the world had been pitching in for an overhaul of subsidy disbursement process in favour of direct payment to farmers instead of companies. Awasthi holds the view that paying subsidy directly to farmers will empower them.
At present, subsidy on fertilisers is paid directly to companies. After the fertilizer is sold to farmers, companies generate bills that are to be paid within 45 days by the government. But informed sources say that IFFCO is also struggling with payment dues.