A Major Reform in Public Financial Management
The Union government has launched an integrated e-bill platform to digitally process fertiliser subsidies worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore annually , marking a significant reform in India’s public financial management architecture. The platform was inaugurated in New Delhi by Union Fertilisers Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and aims to replace manual, paper-based processes with a seamless digital workflow, improving transparency, efficiency and speed in subsidy disbursement.
Digital Transformation of Subsidy Administration
The new system enables end-to-end online submission, processing and approval of fertiliser subsidy claims. By eliminating physical movement of bills and manual scrutiny, the platform is expected to sharply reduce delays and procedural bottlenecks that have historically affected subsidy payments. Officials noted that digitisation will also minimise human discretion and errors in routine processing.
Integration of Key Financial Platforms
The e-bill system has been developed by integrating the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) of the Department of Fertilisers with the Public Financial Management System of the Ministry of Finance. PFMS operates under the Controller General of Accounts and serves as the central platform for government payments. Fertilisers Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra described the initiative as a landmark step in modernising departmental financial operations.
Real-Time Tracking and Stronger Controls
The platform provides real-time bill tracking , centralised dashboards and a tamper-proof digital audit trail. According to CGA Santosh Kumar, built-in validation checks and automated logs enhance accountability, simplify audits and reduce the risk of leakages or fraud.
Important Facts for Exams
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Fertiliser subsidies are administered by the Department of Fertilisers
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PFMS is India’s core platform for government payments
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Controller General of Accounts works under the Ministry of Finance
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Digital audit trails strengthen transparency and fiscal discipline
Month: Current Affairs - January 03, 2026
Category: Economy & Public Finance