Cabinet Approves Rs 25,530 Crore SARTHAK-PDS Scheme for Food Security

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation and integration of two major Public Distribution System (PDS) schemes under a new umbrella programme named SARTHAK-PDS, aimed at strengthening food security and modernising ration distribution across the country. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Under the scheme, the Centre will spend Rs 25,530 crore over the next five years during the 16th Finance Commission period. The new initiative integrates the existing schemes — “Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA” and the “Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART PDS).”

The government said SARTHAK-PDS has been designed to ensure smooth last-mile delivery of food grains while improving transparency, efficiency and sustainability in the Public Distribution System. The scheme will remain operational until March 31, 2031.

Officials said the integrated programme will provide assured financial support to states and union territories for intra-state transportation, handling of food grains and fair price shop (FPS) dealer margins under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The revised norms of central assistance are expected to help strengthen the delivery network and improve support for FPS dealers across the country.

A major focus of the SARTHAK-PDS scheme is the use of advanced technology to modernise the ration distribution system. The government plans to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Blockchain technology to create a smarter and more transparent PDS ecosystem.

The scheme aims to establish standardized digital architectures, unified databases and real-time monitoring systems for efficient operations. AI-driven grievance redressal systems and analytics platforms will also be introduced to improve service delivery and identify leakages in the system.

As part of the reforms, State Command and Control Centres will be developed for data-driven monitoring and management of PDS operations. ISO-certified process frameworks are also proposed to improve security, transparency and operational sustainability.

The government said the initiative reflects its commitment to ensuring food and nutritional security for nearly 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act. Officials stated that the new umbrella scheme combines financial assistance with technology-led reforms to provide a citizen-centric and interoperable ration distribution network across India.

Over the past decade, the Centre has implemented several digital reforms in the Public Distribution System, including end-to-end computerisation of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Management of PDS (IM-PDS) and SMART PDS initiatives.

The government highlighted that since April 2023, the SMART PDS programme has significantly accelerated digitisation efforts by enabling complete digital ration card systems, Aadhaar seeding, e-PoS automation at fair price shops, online foodgrain allocation and computerized supply-chain management across all 36 States and Union Territories.

Citizen-focused applications such as Mera Ration, Anna Mitra, Rightful Targeting Dashboard and Anna Sahayata have also been launched to improve transparency and accessibility for beneficiaries.

Officials said SARTHAK-PDS represents the next phase of reforms aimed at creating a unified, intelligent and technology-driven food distribution network capable of reducing leakages, improving efficiency and ensuring reliable food security for millions of people across the country.