SARTHAK-PDS: Umbrella Scheme With ₹25,530 Crore Outlay
Why in the news
The CCEA, with PM Modi in the chair, cleared SARTHAK-PDS, a single umbrella that pairs financial support with technology upgrades for the public distribution system.
Key facts
- Duration: five years, up to March 2031.
- Outlay: ₹25,530 crore.
- Nodal body: Department of Food and Public Distribution.
- Purpose: strengthen NFSA, 2013 delivery through a single framework.
Two schemes merged
| Earlier scheme | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Scheme for state agencies’ intra-state grain movement and the margin of fair price shop dealers under NFSA | Funds for moving grain within States and paying dealer margins |
| SMART PDS | Technology work: digital ration cards, Aadhaar linkage, e-PoS machines, online grain allocation, computerised supply chain |
Reason for merger: two parallel schemes, one for finance and one for technology, caused fragmentation, so an umbrella allows joint planning, reporting and results.
Six core features
- Streamlined central help for handling, storing and moving grain within States.
- Higher, standard dealer commissions linked to compulsory automation.
- AI, ML, NLP and Blockchain in PDS operations.
- One interoperable data system across all 36 States and UTs, joining IM-PDS, Mera Ration, Anna Mitra and Anna Sahayata.
- State Command Control Centres for real-time oversight.
- ISO-certified processes for transparency, safety and accountability.
New AI modules and platforms
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| NIRMAL | Operations kept clean and honest |
| ASHA | Services and complaint handling for beneficiaries |
| SAKSHAM | Digital tools to empower States, dealers and citizens |
| IM-PDS | Portability and online tracking |
| Mera Ration / Anna Mitra / Anna Sahayata | Beneficiary app / dealer services / citizen grievance tools |
Background
- SMART PDS: central-sector scheme running since 1 April 2023; the technical base for One Nation One Ration Card.
- NFSA, 2013: makes PDS a legal entitlement for up to 75% of rural and 50% of urban people, about two-thirds of the population.
- Entitlements: AAY households get 35 kg per household monthly; Priority Households get 5 kg per person monthly.
- The Act further contains maternity benefits, child nutrition through ICDS and Mid-Day Meal, complaint redress and portable ration cards.
Exam angle
- Approving body: CCEA; end date: March 2031; outlay: ₹25,530 crore.
- Technology list: AI, ML, NLP, Blockchain.
- Know AAY and PHH quantities.