Use DBT mode to reach deserving

Over 95% of families benefit from free electricity, says CM Mann (HT, 27 November). PM Modi’s initiative of ‘direct benefit transfer’ (DBT) to the bank accounts of beneficiaries under various welfare schemes went a long way in saving crores that leaked or were pilfered by intermediaries earlier. Popular governments reserve the prerogative to distinguish between the freebies culture and welfare but throwing ‘revadies’ from the public purse is neither fair nor desirable. Taxpayers’ money is not meant for unsolicited doles in free electricity, free travel et al for all and sundry. AAP governments in Punjab and Delhi would do well to adopt DBT mode for welfare of deserving people. Lalit Bharadwaj Panchkula