An audit of India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme found irregularities, including fake caste certificates and ineligible applicants receiving scholarships. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report also criticised the lack of monitoring to ensure scholarship benefits were reaching eligible applicants. The CAG recommended data verification through biometric attendance and cross-verification of income claims using registered mobile numbers. The DBT scheme aims to eliminate intermediaries and improve the delivery of benefits such as scholarships, wage payments, and subsidies. | Mumbai news