Cabinet okays Rs 25,530 crore outlay to extend, modernise SARTHAK-PDS scheme till 2031

📌 Summary:

• CCEA (chaired by PM Modi) approved continuation of SARTHAK-PDS programme for 5 more years (till March 2031) with total outlay of Rs 25,530 crore

• Two existing schemes merged under SARTHAK-PDS: (1) financial support for intra-state movement of foodgrains + FPS dealer margins under NFSA, and (2) SMART-PDS technology-reforms programme

• Coverage: every stage of PDS chain — beneficiary identification → intra-state transport → FPS dealer margins → citizen feedback / grievance redressal

• Funding-structure unchanged; norms revised for Centre's assistance to states/UTs for intra-state foodgrain transportation & handling, and for FPS dealer margins

• Tech stack: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Blockchain for unified databases, real-time monitoring, AI-enabled analytics, grievance redressal and State Command Control Centres

• ISO-certified process frameworks to be introduced for transparency, security and operational sustainability

• Scheme is anchored in National Food Security Act, 2013, which currently covers 81.35 crore beneficiaries

• Objective: reduce leakages, strengthen last-mile delivery and create interoperable PDS architecture across states and UTs

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — Government policies & welfare schemes (PDS reforms, NFSA implementation); GS3 — Food security; e-governance and use of emerging technologies in public service delivery.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• SARTHAK-PDS outlay: Rs 25,530 crore till March 2031
• Merges SMART-PDS + financial-support scheme for intra-state foodgrain movement & FPS margins under NFSA
• NFSA, 2013 beneficiary coverage: 81.35 crore
• Approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
• Technologies: AI, ML, NLP, Blockchain; State Command Control Centres for monitoring

🔑 Key Term: SARTHAK-PDS — Sustainable Action for Robust Targeted Holistic Architecture and Knowledge in Public Distribution System; an umbrella scheme to digitise and modernise India's PDS network with end-to-end interoperability across states.