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The Union Cabinet has approved the SARTHAK-PDS scheme,, it is an integrated umbrella program which aimed at to modernizing and streamlining the Public Distribution (PDS). This scheme have backing of ₹25,530 crore budget outlay for the next five years as this scheme combines the financial support for the foodgrain transportation with the advanced technology-driven reforms.
What is SARTHAK-PDS?
SARTHAK-PDS stands for the,
Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS
The scheme has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It integrates two existing schemes such as the,
- Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of food grains and FPS dealers margin under NFSA
- SMART PDS (Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System)
The merged scheme will operate until the 31 March 2031.
Main Objective of SARTHAK-PDS
The scheme aims to create a more efficient, transparent and technology driven Public Distribution System.
Its major objectives includes the,
- Strengthening the food security delivery
- Improving a last-mile food grain distribution
- Reducing leakages in PDS
- Supporting Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers
- Enhancing digital governance in food distribution
The government also aims to ensure the seamless services for beneficiaries covered under NFSA.
₹25,530 Crore Central Outlay Approved
The Centre will spend around the ₹25,530 crore over the next five years till 2031.
This amount represents the Central government’s share under the scheme.
The Cabinet has also approved the revised norms for the,
- Intra-state transportation of food grains
- Handling charges
- FPS dealer margins
This financial support is expected to improve the operational efficiency and ensure sustainable delivery systems.
Technology-Driven Public Distribution System
One of the major highlights of SARTHAK-PDS is its focus on to the advanced technology integration.
The scheme plans to modernize PDS operations using the,
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Blockchain technology
The aim is to create an intelligent and interoperable food distribution ecosystem.
Key Technological Features of SARTHAK-PDS
The scheme proposes the several major digital reforms.
These includes the,
- Unified national PDS databases
- Real-time monitoring systems
- AI-driven grievance redressal
- Predictive analytics systems
- State Command and Control Centres
- ISO-certified operational processes
These measures are designed to improve the transparency, accountability and efficiency in ration distribution.
Focus on Last-Mile Delivery
A key priority of this scheme is to improve the last-mile foodgrain delivery to beneficiaries.
The scheme will ensure the,
- Better coordination between the Centre and States
- Timely food grain transportation
- Faster distribution mechanisms
- Improved support for Fair Price Shops
The government also aims to reduce delays and prevent diversion or leakages in the supply chain.
Importance Under National Food Security Act (NFSA)
The SARTHAK-PDS scheme supports the India’s commitments under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
The NFSA currently covers the, 81.35 crore beneficiaries.
The scheme aims to strengthen access to the,
- Food security
- Nutritional support
- Affordable food grain supply
The government had described the food security as both a social and legal responsibility.
