, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the SARTHAK PDS){kind=link}
The Union Cabinet has approved the SARTHAK PDS scheme with a ₹25,530 crore outlay to modernise India’s Public Distribution System using AI
May 27, 2026: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the SARTHAK PDS scheme with a central outlay of ₹25,530 crore for the 16th Finance Commission cycle. The scheme, which will continue till March 31, 2031, aims to strengthen and modernise the Public Distribution System (PDS) by integrating foodgrain transport assistance, fair price shop dealer margins, and technology-driven reforms under a unified framework.
According to the government, SARTHAK PDS will focus on creating a citizen-centric and interoperable ration distribution system using advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain. Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Ashwini Vaishnaw said the upgraded system would include AI-enabled grievance redressal, proactive beneficiary feedback, GPS tracking of foodgrain vehicles, QR-coded grain bags, and digital dashboards for monitoring the supply chain.
The government said the initiative is aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security for over 81 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act. Existing digital reforms such as Aadhaar-linked ration cards, e-PoS-based fair price shops, and platforms like Mera Ration and Anna Sahayata will continue to support the technology-enabled system. Officials stated that the scheme would further improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in ration distribution across India.