Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the transformative impact of India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, revealing significant savings and direct financial aid to citizens. Speaking at the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) held at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi on October 8, 2026, Modi stated that the DBT architecture has prevented nearly ₹5 lakh crore from falling into the wrong hands.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the DBT mechanism has not only streamlined the flow of government funds but has also ensured that over ₹4 lakh crore has been transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries. This marks a substantial shift in the country's welfare delivery framework, leveraging digital technology to reduce leakages and enhance efficiency.
DBT's Role in Major Welfare Programs
Modi cited the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) as a prime example of DBT's success. Under this flagship scheme, more than ₹4 lakh crore has been directly disbursed to farmers, providing crucial income support without the need for intermediaries. This direct routing of payments ensures transparency and accountability in the distribution chain.
The shift to a digitized welfare system was not without its challenges, as the Prime Minister acknowledged. He noted that those who previously benefited from the older, less transparent system naturally resisted the changes. However, the government's commitment to digitisation has fundamentally altered both the speed and reliability of welfare payments.
Mobile Connectivity and Digital Public Infrastructure
The success of DBT is intrinsically linked to the broader expansion of mobile connectivity and India's digital public infrastructure. Modi explained that mobile phones have evolved beyond mere communication devices to become powerful tools for good governance. Citizens can now access hundreds of government services through their mobile devices, minimizing travel, waiting times, and reliance on physical government offices.
India's strategy involves integrating mobile connectivity, digital identity (like Aadhaar), and bank accounts to create a robust digital ecosystem. These interconnected layers enable welfare payments and public services to be delivered at an unprecedented scale, reaching even remote populations. The Prime Minister also mentioned the impact of digital platforms like DIKSHA, which has facilitated billions of learning sessions, underscoring technology's role in education and public services.
Reshaping India's Welfare Landscape
The overarching message from the IMC event was clear: India's telecom and digital expansion is no longer just about network coverage. It is about fundamentally reshaping the country's welfare-delivery architecture, making government schemes more accessible, efficient, and accountable through innovations like the Direct Benefit Transfer system.