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; new umbrella scheme merging two existing PDS schemes for the 16th Finance Commission cycle.
• Central outlay ₹25,530 crore over 5 years (operative up to 31.03.2031) to support last-mile delivery of foodgrains under NFSA, 2013.
• Combines (a) financial assistance to states for intra-state movement, handling and FPS dealers' margin with (b) SMART-PDS tech modernisation (AI, ML, NLP, Blockchain).
• Relevance: GS-II governance/welfare + GS-III food security — directly tied to NFSA implementation for 81.35 crore beneficiaries.