Theme T107 · Governance

DBT, Aadhaar & digital welfare delivery

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What UPSC asks

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.

Prepare these

• 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

Answer writing

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

Directive words in these PYQs: Comment (2), Discuss (2), Analyse (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L15 — Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
• GS3-L3 — Government Budgeting.

All 4 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202210 marks · 150 wordsGS2-GOV-07-M2022-Q08

   Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has limitations too. Comment.

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2. GS32015GS3-ECO-04-M2015-S01

   In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.

   Also needs: T141 Farm subsidies, MSP & crop insurance (incl. WTO Agreement on Agriculture)CopyReport a typo
3. GS22014GS2-GOV-07-M2014-S01

   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.

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4. GS22013GS2-GOV-07-M2013-S01

   Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.

   CopyReport a typo