Extension and Merger of the 'SARTHAK-PDS' Scheme
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the 'SARTHAK-PDS' scheme for five years until March 2031, with a financial outlay of ₹25,530 crore. This is achieved by merging two existing programs.
Revisions and Criticism
- The revision includes norms governing Central assistance to states and union territories for the intra-state movement and handling of food grains.
- Fair price shop (FPS) dealers' margins have been revised, maintaining the existing funding pattern.
- The All India FPS Dealers Federation criticized the increase in commission for ration dealers by only 10 paise per kilogram, labeling it as inadequate.
Scheme Overview
The SARTHAK-PDS scheme consolidates two existing programs:
- 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 merger aims to strengthen the implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) by integrating financial assistance and technology modernization under a single framework.
Objectives and Technology Integration
- The scheme has a dual mandate:
- Provide assured financial support for intra-state movement, handling, and FPS dealers' margins.
- Build a unified, citizen-centric, and interoperable PDS architecture to enhance last-mile service delivery and minimize leakages.
- Technology deployment includes:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP).
- Blockchain to modernize PDS operations.
- Key deliverables:
- Standardized architectures and unified databases for real-time monitoring.
- AI-driven grievance redressal and analytics systems.
- State Command Control Centres for data-driven oversight.
- ISO-certified process frameworks for transparency, security, and sustainability.
SMART PDS Scheme Achievements
Since April 1, 2023, SMART PDS has led technology-based reforms, including:
- Complete digitization of ration cards.
- Aadhaar seeding.
- FPS automation through electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices.
- Online allocation and computerized supply-chain management across all 36 states and union territories.
Conclusion
The consolidation move aims to strengthen NFSA implementation, focus on last-mile service delivery, and minimize leakages while revising norms for state assistance and FPS dealers' margins.
