By Soniya:
The Union Cabinet has approved the SARTHAK-PDS scheme, a major initiative aimed at modernizing India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) through advanced technology, improved logistics, and real-time monitoring. The scheme comes with a massive central outlay of ₹25,530 crore and will remain operational until March 2031.
SARTHAK-PDS stands for “Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS.” It merges two existing schemes related to foodgrain transportation and PDS modernization into a single integrated framework. The initiative is designed to strengthen food security delivery under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), which currently benefits over 81 crore people across India.
One of the biggest highlights of the scheme is the use of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and blockchain. These technologies will help create a more transparent, efficient, and accountable food distribution system.
The scheme will introduce unified national PDS databases, AI-based grievance redressal systems, predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and state command-and-control centres. The government aims to reduce leakages, improve last-mile foodgrain delivery, and support Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers with better operational systems.
SARTHAK-PDS will also strengthen coordination between the Centre and states for smoother foodgrain transportation and faster delivery to beneficiaries. Officials say the initiative represents a major step toward building a digitally integrated and technology-driven welfare delivery system in India.
