|
SMART-PDS Tech Reforms
The Union Cabinet approves the Sarthak-PDS scheme with an outlay of ₹25,530 crore. The scheme integrates support for ration transport and handling with automation reforms in the Public Distribution System, and it is implemented for 5 years from April 2026 to March 2031.
Sarthak-PDS :
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | Sarthak-PDS comprises Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS. |
| Scheme type | Sarthak-PDS provides for an umbrella scheme integrating existing programmes. |
| Integration | It comprises Assistance for intra-state movement of food grains, and Fair Price Shop dealer margins under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). |
| Implementation period | It is implemented for 5 years from April 2026 to March 2031 under the 16th Finance Commission cycle. |
| Objective | It provides for supporting state governments' distribution of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). |
| Modernising PDS | It provides for strengthening and modernising the Public Distribution System (PDS) for effective implementation of PMGKAY. |
| Remuneration enhancement | It provides for enhancing the remuneration of fair price shop dealers. |
| Transport and handling support | The Central government provides for financial support to cover costs of moving grains from FCI warehouses to districts, and Fair Price Shops. |
| Unified database and control centres | It provides for unified databases and state-level command and control centres for efficient operations. |
| Technology-driven reforms focus | It provides for digital transformation of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), ration card digitisation, Aadhaar seeding, E-pos-enabled fair price shops, and platforms including Mera Ration and Anna Sahayata. |
| Technologies used | It authorises use of technologies such as Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML), Natural language processing (NLP), and Blockchain for supply-chain management, monitoring, and grievance redressal. |
| Expected outcomes | It is expected to improve transparency, reduce leakages, ensure efficient food grain distribution, and strengthen food security for beneficiaries across India. |