UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Govt. approves new SARTHAK PDS scheme to strengthen food security

Q1. The SARTHAK-PDS scheme approved by the CCEA in 2026 was constituted as an umbrella framework by consolidating how many pre-existing Central schemes into a single administrative structure?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q2. With reference to the SARTHAK-PDS scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It is an umbrella scheme approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. 2. Its approval was accorded under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. 3. It replaces the National Food Security Act, 2013 as the statutory basis of the Public Distribution System. 4. It is designed to cover the entire PDS value chain from beneficiary selection to last-mile delivery. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It is an umbrella scheme approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
  2. Its approval was accorded under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
  3. It replaces the National Food Security Act, 2013 as the statutory basis of the Public Distribution System.
  4. It is designed to cover the entire PDS value chain from beneficiary selection to last-mile delivery.
  • A. 1 and 4 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q3. With reference to the financial structure of the SARTHAK-PDS scheme, consider the following statements: 1. The outlay of ₹25,530 crore represents the Central share of the scheme. 2. The scheme's duration is aligned with the award period of the 15th Finance Commission. 3. The scheme is a five-year scheme continuing up to 31 March 2031. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The outlay of ₹25,530 crore represents the Central share of the scheme.
  2. The scheme's duration is aligned with the award period of the 15th Finance Commission.
  3. The scheme is a five-year scheme continuing up to 31 March 2031.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. The five-year outlay of the SARTHAK-PDS scheme is aligned with the award period of which one of the following Finance Commissions?

  • A. Fourteenth Finance Commission
  • B. Fifteenth Finance Commission
  • C. Sixteenth Finance Commission
  • D. Seventeenth Finance Commission

Q5. With reference to the two schemes integrated under SARTHAK-PDS, consider the following statements: 1. One component scheme funds intra-State movement of foodgrains and Fair Price Shop dealers' margin under the NFSA. 2. The other component, SMART-PDS, is a technology-driven modernisation and reforms scheme. 3. Only SMART-PDS existed prior to SARTHAK-PDS, and none of the other component was operational before it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. One component scheme funds intra-State movement of foodgrains and Fair Price Shop dealers' margin under the NFSA.
  2. The other component, SMART-PDS, is a technology-driven modernisation and reforms scheme.
  3. Only SMART-PDS existed prior to SARTHAK-PDS, and none of the other component was operational before it.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. In the context of the schemes merged under SARTHAK-PDS, the acronym 'SMART-PDS' stands for which one of the following?

  • A. Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System
  • B. System for Monitoring and Rationing through Digital PDS
  • C. Scheme for Management of Agricultural Reserves and Transport in PDS
  • D. Smart Metering and Ration Tracking in Public Distribution System

Q7. Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, up to what percentage of the rural population is entitled to coverage under the Targeted Public Distribution System?

  • A. 50 per cent
  • B. 67 per cent
  • C. 75 per cent
  • D. 90 per cent

Q8. With reference to the entitlements and coverage under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: 1. Priority households are entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month. 2. Antyodaya Anna Yojana households are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month. 3. The Act provides coverage of up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population. 4. Priority households are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per person per month. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Priority households are entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month.
  2. Antyodaya Anna Yojana households are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month.
  3. The Act provides coverage of up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population.
  4. Priority households are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per person per month.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 3 and 4 only
  • C. 2 only
  • D. 4 only

Q9. The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), which restructured food subsidies to focus on the poor through differential BPL/APL entitlements, was launched by the Government of India in which year?

  • A. 1992
  • B. 1997
  • C. 2000
  • D. 2013

Q10. With reference to the division of responsibilities in India's Public Distribution System, consider the following statements: 1. Procurement, storage and bulk allocation of foodgrains are handled centrally, largely through the Food Corporation of India. 2. Distribution of foodgrains to consumers through Fair Price Shops is the responsibility of the State governments. 3. Wheat, rice, sugar and kerosene are among the commodities distributed through the PDS. 4. The operation of Fair Price Shops and actual distribution to beneficiaries is the sole responsibility of the Central government. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Procurement, storage and bulk allocation of foodgrains are handled centrally, largely through the Food Corporation of India.
  2. Distribution of foodgrains to consumers through Fair Price Shops is the responsibility of the State governments.
  3. Wheat, rice, sugar and kerosene are among the commodities distributed through the PDS.
  4. The operation of Fair Price Shops and actual distribution to beneficiaries is the sole responsibility of the Central government.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 3 and 4 only
  • D. 4 only

Q11. With reference to the technology component of the SARTHAK-PDS scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It deploys Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Blockchain technologies. 2. It provides for State Command Control Centres for data-driven oversight of PDS operations. 3. Its technology architecture entirely replaces, rather than continues, the earlier SMART-PDS scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It deploys Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Blockchain technologies.
  2. It provides for State Command Control Centres for data-driven oversight of PDS operations.
  3. Its technology architecture entirely replaces, rather than continues, the earlier SMART-PDS scheme.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q12. The SARTHAK-PDS scheme is intended to support the delivery of subsidised foodgrains to approximately how many beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act?

  • A. About 50 crore
  • B. About 67 crore
  • C. About 81 crore
  • D. About 100 crore