News

The direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme for Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) has recorded slow progress since its introduction in April 2018.

Important facts

1. Only 4.69 lakh, only 26% of the 18 lakh registered TB patients across India have received cash transfer
2. This is mainly because many of the rural poor either do not have a bank account or are migrant patients, whose bank accounts are difficult to be captured.

Suggested Measures

1. The benefits of NPY should be transferred to the patient’s blood relative if he/she does not have an account
2. The District Magistrates/Collectors should ensure that zero balance bank accounts for the TB patients are opened immediately.

Note: For beneficiaries under NPY who do not have a bank account even in his family member’s name, provision of opening zero balance bank account is available under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and Indian Postal Bank.

About Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)

1. It is a scheme for nutritional support to Tuberculosis (TB) patients launched by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
2. Financial incentive of Rs.500/- per month is provided to each notified TB patient for duration for which the patient is on anti-TB treatment.