Report

DBTL Performance Evaluation: Insights from the world's largest subsidy benefit transfer scheme

This report evaluates the modified DBTL scheme, Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG, recognized as the world’s largest benefit transfer scheme. The evaluation reports on the the efficacy of the scheme against its stated objectives and its implementation process, as well as the experiences of key stakeholders with the scheme’s implementation and impact.

By Abhishek Jain, Shalu Agrawal, Karthik Ganesan on May 2, 2016

The Government of India launched the Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (DBTL) scheme to provide LPG subsidies directly into consumers’ bank accounts with the aim of curbing diversion and weeding out duplicate connections.

With close to 150 million enrolled beneficiaries (households), it is now recognized as the world’s largest benefit transfer scheme.

This study conducted an independent performance evaluation of the modified DBTL scheme, with a focus on assessing the efficacy of the scheme against its stated objectives and its implementation process, as well as the experiences of key stakeholders with the scheme’s implementation and impact. The report unravels the difficulties faced by different stakeholders and puts forward suggestions for reforms. Finally, it provides insights into the lessons learned from the scheme’s implementation. The study surveyed 1,270 households and 92 LPG distributors, interviewed field officers and bank managers, officials at the oil marketing companies and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Report details

Topic
Subsidies
Region
India
Focus area
Climate
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD and CEEW, 2016