An Empirical Analysis of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Efficiency and the Role of Co-operatives in Urban and Rural Districts of Bengaluru”

Author

Dr. N Subbu Krishna Shastry, Akshay H M , Arihant, MM Saniya Tabassum


Abstract

 The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme has emerged as a key public policy instrument in India to enhance transparency, reduce leakages, and ensure timely delivery of welfare benefits to intended beneficiaries. Despite its wide-scale implementation, variations in DBT efficiency continue to persist across regions due to differences in institutional support, digital literacy, and financial inclusion. In this context, co-operative institutions play a significant role in facilitating last-mile connectivity, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to formal banking infrastructure remains uneven.

The present study undertakes an empirical analysis of the efficiency of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms in the urban and rural districts of Bengaluru, with a specific focus on examining the functional role of co-operatives in strengthening welfare delivery systems. The importance of this study lies in its attempt to assess how co-operatives contribute to improving beneficiary access, reducing transaction delays, enhancing awareness, and addressing operational challenges associated with DBT implementation.

The primary aim of the researcher is to evaluate the level of efficiency of DBT implementation in Bengaluru’s urban and rural contexts and to identify the extent to which co-operative institutions influence the effectiveness of DBT in terms of accessibility, reliability, and beneficiary satisfaction. The study further seeks to compare regional disparities and institutional effectiveness between urban and rural districts, thereby providing insights into structural and operational gaps.

Using primary data collected from DBT beneficiaries, co-operative officials, and relevant stakeholders, along with secondary data from government reports and policy documents, the study applies appropriate statistical and analytical tools to derive meaningful conclusions.

The researcher in their research expect to offer valuable policy implications for strengthening the DBT framework through enhanced co-operative participation, improved digital inclusion, and targeted institutional reforms, contributing to more inclusive and efficient welfare governance.



Keywords

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Co-operatives, Welfare Delivery, Financial Inclusion, Urban–Rural Disparities, Bengaluru



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References


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