The linking of Aadhar numbers with bank accounts for direct benefit transfer is “very low”, according to B. A.. Prabhakar, Chairman and Managing Director of Andhra Bank.
Speaking at the State Level Bankers’ Committee meeting of Andhra Pradesh here on Saturday, Prabhakar said Government departments need to ensure speedy supply of the list of beneficiaries along with their Aadhar numbers to banks.
The direct cash (benefit) transfer scheme was launched in five districts of the State on January 1 as part of a national programme.
The Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI) should take up a publicity drive about permanent enrolment centres to step up enrolment, said Prabhakar, who is the President of the State bankers’ committee.
“On behalf of all banks, SLBC took up a publicity drive in December 2012 for opening of accounts and seeding of Aadhar numbers through advertisements in the press, radio and television,” he added.
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy asked banks and officials to step up seeding of Aadhar and bank accounts.
“In the five districts where the scheme is being implemented, the Aadhar enrolments stand at 2.19 crore of 2.27 crore beneficiaries. Of these, 1.90 lakh have got their Aadhar numbers, while only about one crore numbers have been seeded with bank accounts,” he said.
He also said banks should surpass the targets fixed for agricultural lending in the current financial year. “There is a need to scale up the quantum of finance to the agriculture and allied sectors,” he added.