Rs 57 crore unspent: Delhi, Pg4

Key Highlights:

• Delhi utilized only 47.4% (Rs 31.32 crore) of the Rs 108.27 crore allocated under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in 2025-26, leaving Rs 56.95 crore unspent.
• This significant underspending occurred despite 112,977 TB cases being notified in Delhi in 2023.
• Nationally, the NTEP spent 62.5% of its allocation in 2023-24 and 54.7% in 2022-23, indicating a broader trend of fund underutilization.
• Reasons for underspending include issues with Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) due to unlinked Aadhaar numbers, gaps in digitization, and delays in procurement and infrastructure development.
• Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), TB patients receive Rs 1,000 monthly for nutritional support, an amount doubled from Rs 500 in November 2024.

Detailed Insights:

• The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is India's flagship initiative aimed at eliminating tuberculosis by 2025.
• The Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) provides crucial financial aid to TB patients, supporting their nutritional needs which are vital for treatment adherence and recovery.
• Challenges in linking beneficiaries' Aadhaar numbers to bank accounts have hampered the efficient disbursement of funds through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Administrative bottlenecks, delayed fund releases, and lower utilization by implementing agencies also contribute to the persistent underspending.
• Delays in the procurement of essential equipment and the development of infrastructure for TB centers further exacerbate the issue of unspent funds.
• Effective utilization of allocated funds is critical for strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring comprehensive care for TB patients across the country.
• The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a community-led initiative that complements government efforts by providing support to TB patients.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP): India's national program aimed at achieving the elimination of tuberculosis by 2025.
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY): A scheme under NTEP providing monthly nutritional support to TB patients through direct benefit transfers.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): A system where government subsidies and benefits are directly transferred to beneficiaries' bank accounts.
• Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents.