The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the SARTHAK-PDS scheme with a Central outlay of ₹25,530 crore for the period up to March 2031.
SARTHAK-PDS (Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in Public Distribution System) integrates ration transport support and SMART-PDS reforms under one umbrella scheme.
The scheme aims to strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS) and ensure efficient last-mile delivery of food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
It will provide financial assistance for intra-state movement, handling of food grains, and Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers’ margins.
The scheme will support food security for 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under NFSA.