This document discusses direct benefit transfer (DBT) as an innovative approach to financial inclusion in India. It analyzes DBT's role in reducing intermediaries between the government and beneficiaries. Key DBT programs implemented in India include PAHAL for LPG subsidies, the National Social Assistance Program, MGNREGA, and student scholarships. DBT aims to increase transparency and reduce leakage by directly depositing benefits into citizens' bank accounts linked to Aadhaar numbers. Over 433 central government schemes from 46 ministries have implemented DBT as of November 2018.