India extends SARTHAK-PDS scheme

The India — Union Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a five-year extension of the 'SARTHAK-PDS' scheme until March 2031, with an outlay of Rs 25,530 crore. This initiative aims to modernize India's public distribution infrastructure through technology-led reforms, merging existing programs like '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 (SMART PDS)'. The scheme will deploy AI-powered digital platforms such as NIRMAL for beneficiary registry, ASHA for grievance redressal, and SAKSHAM for supply-chain optimization. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the scheme covers the entire PDS value chain, from beneficiary selection to foodgrain movement and feedback, aiming to reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions while enhancing FPS dealers' remuneration. The initiative is anchored to the government's commitment under the National Food Security Act, 2013, covering 81.35 crore persons and ensuring last-mile service delivery with minimized leakages.