Cabinet approves Integration and Continuation of two schemes viz. (i) “Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA” and (ii) “Scheme for Modernization and Reform...

• SARTHAK-PDS = Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS — a CCEA-approved umbrella scheme merging two earlier schemes to strengthen NFSA implementation.
• Central outlay ₹25,530 crore over the 16th Finance Commission cycle, valid up to 31.03.2031.
• Combines (i) financial assistance for intra-state movement of foodgrains + FPS dealer margin with (ii) SMART-PDS technology backbone (AI/ML/NLP/Blockchain).
• Targets last-mile delivery to 81.35 crore NFSA beneficiaries.