In order to ensure accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in the implementation of the government schemes, the Punjab Government has decided to create a robust and integrated technology solution to implement and review the progress of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes in the state.An in-principle approval to this project was accorded at the maiden meeting of the Advisory Board of the Punjab State DBT Cell, chaired by the Chief Secretary, Ms Vini Mahajan, here on Thursday.Presently, as many as 135 schemes of 18 departments, including 66 Centre-sponsored, 68 State-funded and 1 Centre-Sector scheme, were being implemented under the DBT format in the state.
The decision was taken after the Department of Governance Reforms proposed to create a centralized technology solution to technically support implementing departments in the implementation and integrated reporting of the progress of the DBT schemes in the state.Giving in-principle approval to the proposal, the Board also decided to ensure that the financial requirements for the development of such a system will be taken care of by the government.The Chief Secretary asserted that the focus should be on building robust and integrated technology solutions for strengthening the implementation of the public schemes in the state.The Board asked the departments concerned to ensure time-bound compliance to the regulations of the Aadhaar Act. All departments were asked to issue notification of all the State-funded schemes under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act by March 31.The Department of Governance Reforms was directed to facilitate the requisite support in this regard to the departments concerned.The Additional Chief Secretary, Governance Reforms, presented the details of various schemes and their implementation status at the meeting.