Will not oppose Aadhar-based cash transfer scheme: BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday clarified that it will not oppose the Aadhar-based cash transfer scheme but added that there was nothing new in the announcement, for which the Congress was seeking "political mileage".

It also said its state governments have been implementing similar schemes for years.

"There is nothing new in this method. Many state governments give scholarships and pensions to the bank accounts of the people directly. Moreover, the central government is not giving any additional subsidy through this scheme," said BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar.

The principal opposition maintained, "While people are reeling under inflation, Congress is only making efforts to take political mileage for nothing."

Javadekar said, "We are not opposed to the scheme but it should be implemented in a secure manner as many poor people do not have bank accounts. The money should reach the right people. There are many challenges in its implementation."

The government had announced the Aadhar-based cash transfer for around 29 schemes including pensions, scholarships and grants for minorities.