SARTHAK-PDS

On 27th May 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister approved the continuation of the “Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS” (SARTHAK PDS) as an umbrella scheme, in the 16th Finance Commission cycle award period, with an outlay of Rs. 25,530 crore as Central share.

Key Points

Umbrella Scheme: The Scheme is conceived as an umbrella scheme integrating the ongoing schemes: (i) “Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA” and (ii) “Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART PDS)” to comprehensively strengthen implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
Main Objective: The scheme aims to strengthen food security, improve last-mile delivery, and enhance transparency in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Support for FPS Dealers: Revised financial assistance has been approved for foodgrain transportation, handling, and Fair Price Shop dealer margins.
Technology Adoption: The scheme will use Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain for PDS modernisation.
Digital Infrastructure: The initiative proposes unified databases, real-time monitoring systems, AI-based grievance redressal, and command-control centres.