Cabinet Approves SARTHAK-PDS Scheme
SARTHAK-PDS Scheme to Modernise India’s Public Distribution System: The Union Cabinet has approved the SARTHAK-PDS scheme, an integrated umbrella programme designed to modernise India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) through technology-driven reforms and improved logistics. The scheme has a Central outlay of ₹25,530 crore and will be implemented over a five-year period until 31 March 2031.
The initiative combines financial assistance for foodgrain transportation with advanced digital technologies to strengthen food security, improve transparency, and ensure efficient delivery of subsidised foodgrains across the country.
Static GK fact: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, takes major policy decisions relating to economic affairs, infrastructure, and public investment.
What Is SARTHAK-PDS
SARTHAK-PDS stands for Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling with Automation in Public Distribution System.
The scheme integrates two existing programmes:
- Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealer margins under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)
- SMART PDS (Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System)
By merging these initiatives, the government aims to create a unified, efficient, and technology-enabled food distribution system.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary objective of SARTHAK-PDS is to strengthen the delivery of food security benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The scheme seeks to improve last-mile foodgrain distribution, minimise leakages, support Fair Price Shop dealers, enhance digital governance, and ensure timely delivery of subsidised foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries across India.
Static GK Tip: The Public Distribution System (PDS) distributes essential food commodities such as rice, wheat, and coarse grains at subsidised prices through a nationwide network of Fair Price Shops (FPSs).
Financial Support and Operational Reforms
The Central Government has approved an expenditure of ₹25,530 crore under the scheme for the next five years. The revised financial assistance covers intra-state transportation of foodgrains, handling charges, and enhanced margins for Fair Price Shop dealers.
These measures are expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen the supply chain, and ensure the long-term sustainability of foodgrain distribution.
Technology-Driven Public Distribution System
A major highlight of SARTHAK-PDS is the integration of advanced technologies into PDS operations. The scheme proposes the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and blockchain technology to modernise foodgrain distribution and improve governance.
The digital transformation aims to build an intelligent, secure, and interoperable food distribution ecosystem.
Key Digital Features
The scheme introduces several technology-based reforms, including a unified national PDS database, real-time monitoring systems, AI-enabled grievance redressal, predictive analytics, State Command and Control Centres, and ISO-certified operational processes.
These initiatives are expected to enhance transparency, improve accountability, reduce leakages, and enable better monitoring of foodgrain movement throughout the supply chain.
Strengthening Food Security
SARTHAK-PDS supports the implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013, which provides subsidised foodgrains to approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries across India.
By improving transportation, digital monitoring, and last-mile delivery, the scheme aims to strengthen access to affordable food, promote nutritional security, and fulfil the government’s commitment to ensuring food security for vulnerable sections of society.
Static GK fact: The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 provides legal entitlement to subsidised foodgrains for eligible households through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
SARTHAK-PDS Scheme to Modernise India’s Public Distribution System:
| Fact | Detail |
| Scheme | SARTHAK-PDS |
| Full form | Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling with Automation in Public Distribution System |
| Total Central outlay | ₹25,530 crore |
| Implementation period | Up to 31 March 2031 |
| Approved by | Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) |
| Major technologies | AI, ML, NLP, Blockchain |
| Key beneficiaries | NFSA beneficiaries and Fair Price Shop dealers |
| Major objective | Modernise the Public Distribution System |
| Related Act | National Food Security Act, 2013 |
| NFSA coverage | Approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries |
