Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 27: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the “Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS” (SARTHAK-PDS) for the next five years with a central allocation of Rs 25,530 crore.
According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the revamped scheme will function as an umbrella programme aimed at strengthening and modernising the Public Distribution System (PDS) under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The Cabinet has also approved revised norms for central assistance to states and Union Territories for expenses related to intra-state transportation and handling of food grains, along with support for fair price shop (FPS) dealer margins. The existing funding pattern for central assistance will continue under the new framework.
The SARTHAK-PDS scheme combines two existing initiatives — assistance for intra-state food grain movement and the SMART PDS technology reform programme — into a single integrated system that will remain operational until March 31, 2031, covering the award period of the 16th Finance Commission.
The primary objective of the scheme is to create a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric food distribution network while ensuring uninterrupted last-mile delivery of subsidised food grains to beneficiaries under the NFSA.
Officials said the programme will leverage advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Blockchain to improve transparency, reduce leakages, and optimise the functioning of the PDS network.
Key features of the scheme include the creation of unified databases, real-time monitoring systems, AI-driven grievance redressal mechanisms, analytics platforms, and State Command and Control Centres for data-based supervision of food distribution operations. The framework will also incorporate ISO-certified processes to enhance accountability, security, and sustainability.
The government stated that the scheme is aligned with its commitment to ensuring food and nutritional security for approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act.
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.
Citizen-focused digital platforms such as Mera Ration, Anna Mitra, the Rightful Targeting Dashboard, and Anna Sahayata have also been introduced to improve access and transparency.
Since April 1, 2023, the SMART PDS programme has played a key role in digitisation efforts by enabling Aadhaar-linked ration cards, automation of fair price shops through electronic point-of-sale (e-PoS) devices, online allocation systems, and computerised supply-chain management across all 36 States and Union Territories.
The government said the new integrated SARTHAK-PDS framework is expected to further strengthen India’s food security infrastructure while making ration delivery systems more efficient and technology-driven.