The Central Government has taken a major decision to further strengthen the country’s Public Distribution System (PDS). Union Cabinet ‘Sarthak-PDS’ (Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling – Income with Automation in PDS) The scheme has been approved to continue for the next five years. For this scheme the central government Rs 25,530 crore The budget has been determined. the scheme April 2026 to March 2031 Will remain in force till.
This important decision was taken in the meeting of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government aims to modernize and make the public distribution system more transparent so as to improve the food grain distribution process to crores of beneficiaries in the country.
What is Sarthak-PDS Scheme?
The main objective of Sarthak-PDS scheme is to strengthen the ration distribution system, improve the food grain transportation system and make the entire process more transparent through technology. Under this scheme, state agencies will be provided assistance in expenses related to transportation, storage and distribution of ration.
The government believes that promoting technology and automation will make the public distribution system more effective and accountable than before. This will help in delivering ration to the beneficiaries on time.
80 crore people will benefit directly
According to the Central Government, this scheme is applicable in almost all the countries of the country. 80 crore people Will benefit. India operates one of the world’s largest food security programs, providing low-cost or free rations to poor and needy people.
Public distribution system is an important means of food security for crores of families in the country. Through this scheme, the government is working to reduce the challenges in ration distribution and make the entire process more efficient.
Ration dealers will also get benefits
The government has also decided to provide relief to the dealers associated with ration shops under this scheme. The commission received by ration shopkeepers will be increased so that they can provide services in a better way.
Apart from this, financial assistance will be provided to the agencies of the state governments to handle the costs related to food grain distribution. This is likely to reduce the financial burden on the states.
PDS system will change with technology
The government is emphasizing on promoting digital technology and modern systems in the public distribution system. Implementation of automation will increase transparency in the food grain distribution system and will help in reducing irregularities.
Experts believe that through technological improvements the ration distribution process can be made faster, safer and effective.
The objective of the government is to ensure that food grains reach every eligible citizen of the country on time and without any hassle. The expansion of Sarthak-PDS scheme is being considered an important step in this direction.
