Cabinet approves technology-driven SARTHAK-PDS scheme to strengthen food security

📌 Summary:

• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA, chaired by PM Modi, May 27, 2026) approved SARTHAK Public Distribution System (PDS) scheme for 5 years at ₹25,530 crore
• Covers the entire PDS value chain — beneficiary selection, foodgrain movement, citizen feedback, transport optimisation
• Does NOT replace existing PDS; instead delivers structural reform across delivery, logistics, transport, material handling, grievance redressal
• Umbrella scheme that integrates two existing schemes: (1) "Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers' margin under NFSA"; and (2) SMART PDS (Modernisation & Reforms through Technology)
• Operating window: until March 31, 2031
• Provides financial support for intra-State movement/handling of PDS goods and FPS dealers' margin
• Aims for a citizen-centric, interoperable PDS architecture; last-mile delivery; minimised leakages
• Tech stack: AI, machine learning, blockchain, NLP — for real-time monitoring, grievance & analytics systems
• Oversight: State Command Control Centres; ISO-certified process frameworks for security/transparency
• Beneficiary base: 81.35 crore persons covered under NFSA

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2/GS3 — Welfare schemes (food security, NFSA); GS3 Agriculture (PDS leakage, e-governance in service delivery); SDG-2 (Zero Hunger); fiscal cost vs targeting trade-off

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Full name: SARTHAK-PDS (announced by I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw)
• Approving body: CCEA chaired by PM Modi
• Outlay: ₹25,530 crore over 5 years (up to March 31, 2031)
• Integrates two prior schemes — intra-State foodgrain movement assistance + SMART PDS
• NFSA beneficiary base: 81.35 crore
• Tech: AI, ML, blockchain, NLP, State Command Control Centres, ISO-certified frameworks

🔑 Key Term: National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 — legal entitlement to subsidised foodgrains (rice ₹3/kg, wheat ₹2/kg, coarse cereals ₹1/kg) covering up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population; SARTHAK-PDS is the digital backbone for its delivery.