This chapter seeks to understand the nature and implications of the Direct Cash Transfer programs being considered and experimented with in India, particularly in light of the experience elsewhere. The chapter is structured in five distinct sections: the issues about direct cash transfers raised in the theoretical literature in the area of public finance; existing subsidy and ― kind transfer schemes; the experience with direct cash transfers around the world; the political and social impact; and finally the first hesitant steps of India in this direction.