‘Direct Benefit Transfer, No Leakage, No Cut-Money’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Jakarta on Tuesday, made an indirect reference to alleged corruption in the implementation of welfare schemes during the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal between 2011 and 2026.

Speaking about the Centre’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, PM Modi said it ensures financial assistance under government welfare schemes reaches beneficiaries’ bank accounts directly without leakage or ‘cut-money’.

Referring to a question from a member of the audience, the Prime Minister said, “One gentleman there asked me about my vision for West Bengal, and that is my vision for West Bengal: Direct Benefit Transfer, no leakage, no cut-money.”

Many viewed the remarks as a reference to allegations of corruption in the implementation of centrally sponsored welfare schemes during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led government.

Prime Minister Modi’s comments also reflected his commitment that such practices would not continue under the BJP government in West Bengal led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

During the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly election campaign, the Prime Minister had repeatedly alleged corruption in the implementation of Central welfare schemes in the state.

In several rallies, PM Modi accused Trinamool Congress leaders and Ministers of enriching themselves through ‘leakages’ and ‘cut-money’ in the distribution of benefits.

PM Modi also assured voters during the campaign that a BJP government in the state would eliminate the alleged ‘leakage’ and ‘cut-money’ system.

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