The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the ambitious SARTHAK-PDS scheme with a total outlay of Rs 25,530 crore aimed at modernising and strengthening India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) over the next five years. The scheme will be implemented from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031, with a strong focus on technology integration, artificial intelligence, transparency, and efficient food grain management.
The SARTHAK-PDS initiative seeks to improve the delivery of subsidised food grains across the country while ensuring greater accountability and ease of access for beneficiaries. The scheme will provide assistance to state agencies for intra-state movement of food grains, support fair price shops, and modernise the overall public distribution infrastructure.
A major highlight of the programme is the launch of SMART PDS Phase-2, under which three AI-enabled modules will be introduced to transform food distribution management.
The first module, “NIRMAL,” will function as an AI-driven real-time beneficiary registry. It will integrate live databases across ministries and government welfare schemes to ensure accurate identification of eligible beneficiaries and prevent duplication or leakage in the system.
The second module, “ASHA,” is a multilingual AI-powered grievance redressal and citizen engagement platform. The system will operate through calls, WhatsApp, IVRS, and chatbots, enabling citizens to register complaints and seek assistance in their preferred language. According to the government, the platform will be capable of handling nearly three lakh interactions per day, significantly improving grievance resolution mechanisms.
The third module, “SAKSHAM,” will focus on strengthening the supply chain network through AI-based logistics management. The platform will include vehicle tracking systems, QR-code based traceability, demand forecasting, and route optimisation to ensure timely and efficient movement of food grains.
The government stated that the modernisation drive is expected to bring multiple benefits, including accurate identification of beneficiaries, enhanced citizen satisfaction, reduced wastage of food grains, and improved logistics efficiency.
Officials said the use of AI and digital technologies could reduce the travel distance for transportation of food grains by 15 to 50 percent, thereby encouraging local procurement and minimising operational inefficiencies. The improved logistics system is also projected to generate annual savings of nearly Rs 280 crore while reducing carbon emissions by around 35 percent.
The initiative is being seen as a significant step toward building a transparent, technology-driven, and citizen-centric food security ecosystem in the country. With the integration of advanced digital tools and AI-driven monitoring systems, the government aims to ensure that subsidised food grains reach deserving beneficiaries more efficiently and with minimal leakages.
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