The Centre has transferred subsidies and welfare benefits worth Rs 5.6 lakh crore to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) so far in the current financial year, indicating that disbursements are on track to approach recent peak levels if March releases follow typical year-end patterns. Historically, DBT outflows have been uneven, often spiking in the final weeks of March due to end-of-year subsidy settlements, pending scheme releases and fiscal utilisation targets. DBT transfers touched a record Rs 7.16 lakh crore in FY23, driven largely by the free foodgrains scheme and elevated fertiliser subsidies amid global price spikes. Based on current trends, DBT outflows in FY26 could approach the Rs 6.91 lakh crore recorded in FY25.