SARTHAK-PDS Scheme Approved With Rs 25,530 Crore Outlay

The Union Cabinet approved SARTHAK-PDS as an umbrella scheme to modernise the Public Distribution System over five years.

The Cabinet approved the continuation and integration of existing PDS support schemes under SARTHAK-PDS with a central outlay of Rs 25,530 crore. The scheme will operate during the 16th Finance Commission cycle up to March 2031. It supports intra-state foodgrain movement, handling costs and Fair Price Shop dealer margins under the National Food Security Act. The scheme is important because it covers about 81.35 crore NFSA beneficiaries and aims to improve last-mile delivery through technology-led reforms.