MAY 27: The Union Cabinet has approved the ₹25,530 crore SARTHAK Public Distribution System (PDS) scheme for implementation over the next five years, marking a major step towards strengthening India’s food security delivery mechanism.
The scheme aims to modernise and enhance the efficiency of the public distribution network by improving transparency, reducing leakages, and ensuring smoother delivery of essential food grains to beneficiaries across the country.
Officials said the initiative will focus on technology-driven reforms, better supply chain management, and improved monitoring systems to strengthen last-mile delivery under the food security framework.
The programme is also expected to support greater accountability in the distribution process while ensuring timely availability of subsidised food grains to eligible households.
Experts believe the SARTHAK PDS scheme could play a key role in further streamlining India’s welfare delivery system by integrating digital tools and improving operational efficiency across states.