CAPF AC 2020 Q67: Indian Economy – Digital Payments & Financial Inclusion
PAHAL, an initiative to transfer the subsidy to direct bank account of the beneficiaries, is related to
- (a) LPG consumers
- (b) Internet consumers
- (c) Farmers for fertilisers
- (d) Central Government Employees for medical treatment
Answer: (a) LPG consumers
Explanation
PAHAL scheme
How to think: PAHAL is the short name of a Direct Benefit Transfer scheme.
The best known direct subsidy to bank accounts is for the cooking gas cylinder.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full form | Pratyaksh Hanstantarit Labh |
| Also called | Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG |
| Ministry | Petroleum and Natural Gas |
| Launched across India | 1 January 2015 |
| How it works | Consumer buys the cylinder at market price; the subsidy goes to the bank account |
| Record | Recognised as the world's largest cash transfer programme |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) LPG consumers | Correct |
| (b) Internet consumers | Incorrect; no such subsidy scheme |
| (c) Farmers for fertilisers | Incorrect; fertiliser subsidy is paid to companies after sale |
| (d) Central Government employees for medical treatment | Incorrect; that is the health scheme CGHS |
Answer: (a) LPG consumers.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. PAHAL sends the LPG subsidy straight to the consumer's bank account.
- (b) Incorrect. There is no PAHAL subsidy for internet users.
- (c) Incorrect. The fertiliser subsidy is paid to companies, not through PAHAL.
- (d) Incorrect. Medical care of Central Government employees is under CGHS.
Key point
PAHAL = Pratyaksh Hanstantarit Labh = Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, 1 January 2015); subsidy goes to the bank account.
Remember
PAHAL = LPG subsidy into the bank account.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up PAHAL (subsidy transfer) with Ujjwala (free LPG connections).
- Linking it to fertilisers, another big subsidy.
- Not knowing the full form, Pratyaksh Hanstantarit Labh.
Exam tip
PAHAL pays the subsidy, Ujjwala gives the connection. Both are about LPG.
Sources
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas — PAHAL (Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG) scheme
- Press Information Bureau — PAHAL launched across the country, 1 January 2015