The Centre has clarified that the newly approved SARTHAK-PDS platform will strengthen and modernise the existing Public Distribution
May 27, 2026: The Centre has clarified that the newly approved SARTHAK-PDS platform is not intended to replace India’s existing Public Distribution System (PDS), but rather to modernise and strengthen it through technology-driven reforms. The scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet with an outlay of ₹24,350 crore for the period between April 2026 and March 2031, aims to improve transparency, efficiency and monitoring in the ration distribution network. Ashwini Vaishnaw said the initiative would function as a digital backbone for foodgrain logistics while beneficiaries would continue receiving subsidised ration through the current PDS framework and fair price shops.
According to the government, SARTHAK-PDS will integrate intra-state foodgrain transportation systems, streamline dealer margin tracking and strengthen supply-chain operations across states. The Centre also plans to introduce multilingual accessibility features to make the system more user-friendly for beneficiaries in different regions. Officials said the revamped platform would focus on reducing leakages, improving monitoring systems and optimising foodgrain movement through AI-enabled logistics management and digital integration.
The government estimates that the new system could reduce foodgrain transportation requirements by 15 to 50 per cent and lower carbon emissions linked to transport by nearly 35 per cent. Financial assistance will also be provided to states for transportation support, fair price shop upgrades and broader PDS modernisation efforts. Backed by the IndiaAI Mission, the initiative is part of the Centre’s larger push to strengthen India’s food security network through technology-based welfare delivery systems.