Odisha Mandates Aadhaar‑Linked Accounts for DBT Schemes

The Odisha Finance Department has issued a directive making Aadhaar‑linked bank accounts mandatory for all Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes.

The move, approved by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for 2025–26, aims to curb irregularities and ensure that welfare benefits reach genuine beneficiaries without leakages.

Departments across housing, health, education, agriculture, women and child development, and panchayati raj must now route financial assistance through Aadhaar‑seeded accounts.

Payments will be authenticated via the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), ensuring transfers only reach active accounts.

Additional Chief Secretary Sagarika Hota emphasised that departments must report Aadhaar‑linked payment status through the DBT Bharat portal.

This step is expected to strengthen transparency, reduce delays, and streamline the treasury‑to‑beneficiary pipeline.