Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.

Theme

T107 DBT, Aadhaar & digital welfare delivery

What UPSC asks in this theme

Cross-paper GS2–GS3: DBT as a progressive but limited reform, electronic cash transfers to cut corruption, Aadhaar vs NPR, and how DBT changes the subsidy scenario.

What to cover

• JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile)
• Savings and leakage reduction claims and their measurement
• Limits: exclusion errors, biometric failure, last-mile banking, market price volatility for cash in place of kind
• Aadhaar Act and Puttaswamy (Aadhaar) judgment
• Price subsidy vs DBT: fertiliser, LPG (PAHAL), food

Writing the answer

• Present benefits and limits with data
• Link to GS3 subsidy reform

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 4 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.