The Government of India to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in the Union Territories of Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli

The Government of India will launch a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)‑based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in the Union Territories of Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli on 14 August 2026. The rollout, announced by the Ministry of Company Affairs, will transfer food‑subsidy benefits directly into beneficiaries’ CBDC wallets as programmable Digital Rupee tokens, replacing conventional bank transfers. The scheme aims to provide a transparent, end‑to‑end traceable payment mechanism, reduce leakages and cash handling, promote financial inclusion, and serve as a proof‑of‑concept for wider adoption across other states and UTs.