The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister , has approved the continuation and integration of two major Public Distribution System (PDS) schemes under a new umbrella programme titled SARTHAK-PDS.
The Centre will spend approximately ₹25,530 crore over the next five years as its share for the scheme during the 16th Finance Commission period.
The newly approved scheme combines:
1. “Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA”, and
2. “Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART PDS)”.
The integrated SARTHAK-PDS scheme aims to strengthen the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, while ensuring efficient last-mile delivery of food grains across the country.
Under the scheme, the government will continue providing financial assistance to States and Union Territories for transportation and handling of food grains, along with support for Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers’ commissions.
The government said the initiative will support over 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under the NFSA and ensure food and nutritional security for economically vulnerable sections.
The SARTHAK-PDS scheme will remain operational till March 31, 2031.
A major focus of the programme will be technology-driven reforms in the Public Distribution System. The government plans to modernize and optimize PDS operations using advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Blockchain.
Key features of the scheme include:
– Real-time monitoring systems,
– Unified and interoperable databases,
– AI-driven grievance redressal and analytics,
– State Command and Control Centres,
– ISO-certified process frameworks for improved transparency and efficiency.
The government said these reforms are aimed at minimizing leakages, improving accountability, and ensuring sustainable food distribution mechanisms.
Over the past decade, several digital initiatives have already transformed the PDS ecosystem, including End-to-End Computerization of TPDS, Integrated Management of PDS (IM-PDS), and SMART PDS.
Citizen-focused platforms such as Mera Ration, Anna Mitra, Rightful Targeting Dashboard, and Anna Sahayata have also been introduced to improve accessibility and transparency.
Since April 2023, the SMART PDS scheme has enabled full digitization of ration cards, Aadhaar seeding, e-PoS automation at Fair Price Shops, online allocation systems, and computerized supply-chain management across all 36 States and Union Territories.
