SARTHAK Public Distribution System Scheme:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister approved the SARTHAK Public Distribution System (PDS) scheme.
- SARTHAK PDS (Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS) is conceived as an umbrella scheme that integrates two ongoing initiatives:
- Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA
- Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART PDS)
- The government aims to create a single administrative structure for improving foodgrain distribution and strengthening implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
- It will run until 2031.
- Components:
- Advanced Technology Use: It involves the use of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Blockchain to streamline operations in the public distribution system.
- Unified Data& Architecture: Under the approved plan, the government intends to create unified databases and standardised digital architecture for real-time monitoring of the PDS network.
- The scheme also proposes AI-enabled analytics and grievance redressal systems along with State Command Control Centres for monitoring operations through data-based oversight.
- Certification: Government will introduce ISO-certified process frameworks will be introduced to strengthen transparency, security standards and operational sustainability within the system.
