SARTHAK PDS Scheme

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister approves the SARTHAK Public Distribution System scheme. The scheme is relevant now because it integrates ongoing PDS-related initiatives into a single administrative structure for improving foodgrain distribution and strengthening implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013.

SARTHAK Public Distribution System Scheme:

Dimension	Key Details
Full Form	SARTHAK PDS stands for Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in Public Distribution System.
Scheme Type	SARTHAK PDS is conceived as an umbrella scheme.
Integrated Initiatives	SARTHAK PDS integrates two ongoing initiatives: Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA; and Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System.
Purpose	The scheme provides for a single administrative structure for improving foodgrain distribution and strengthening implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Duration	The scheme will run until March 2031.
Advanced Technology Use	The scheme involves the use of advanced technologies: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain.
Unified Data and Architecture	The scheme provides for unified databases and standardised digital architecture for real-time monitoring of the Public Distribution System network.
Analytics and Grievance Redressal	The scheme provides for AI-enabled analytics and grievance redressal systems.
Monitoring Mechanism	The scheme provides for State Command Control Centres for monitoring operations through data-based oversight.
Certification	The government will introduce ISO-certified process frameworks to strengthen transparency, security standards, and operational sustainability within the system.