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Cabinet clears Rs 25,530 crore SARTHAK-PDS scheme (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet today cleared a new Rs 25,530 crore SARTHAK-PDS Scheme to bolster and modernise the Public Distribution System (PDS). Under this program subsidised food grains are distributed to around 81 crore individuals across the nation, according to the government.
The scheme named the “Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS” (SARTHAK-PDS) will be operational till March 2031 and will integrate two schemes related to the transport of rations, support to fair price shops and the use of advanced technologies in food grain distribution.
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According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) press release, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the scheme as part of the government's efforts towards the betterment of food grain distribution as per the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The government announced financial aid to states for ration delivery across states and increased the margins offered to dealers operating the fair price shops.
The decision was made in an attempt to improve the ration distribution system and reduce delays, especially in rural and inaccessible parts of the nation. The Centre would continue its financial support to states and Union Territories under the current funding mechanism.
Currently, the NFSA provides benefits to around 81.35 crore individuals who are eligible for subsidised or free food grains via the PDS network.
As a part of technological improvements in the ration delivery network, the government also intends to further use advanced technology to support the process.
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According to the official statement, the newly proposed SARTHAK-PDS Scheme will use advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and blockchain for monitoring, grievance redressal and logistics.
These initiatives would be built upon previous improvements such as linking ration cards with Aadhaar cards, installing Electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices at fair price shops and implementation of One Nation One Ration Card.
Food security continues to be one of the Centre’s major welfare measures. Under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana framework the government has been providing free food grains to NFSA beneficiaries since January 2023.
