Government Schemes & Policy
SARTHAK-PDS: ₹25,530 crore for the public distribution system
SARTHAK-PDS, approved 27 May 2026, merges grain-handling aid and SMART PDS into one ₹25,530 crore scheme to 2031.
On 27 May 2026 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved SARTHAK-PDS (Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS) as an umbrella scheme with a central share of ₹25,530 crore, running to 31 March 2031. It merges assistance to states for moving grain and paying fair price shop dealers' margins with SMART PDS, the technology scheme, to strengthen the National Food Security Act, 2013, and raises dealers' commission.
Test yourself
Question 1
SARTHAK-PDS, approved in May 2026, is an umbrella scheme strengthening the implementation of which law?
- AThe National Food Security Act, 2013
- BThe Essential Commodities Act, 1955
- CThe Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- DThe Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
It strengthens the National Food Security Act, 2013.
It merges grain-movement assistance with the SMART PDS technology scheme.
- Concept
- SARTHAK-PDS and NFSA
- Typical time
- 50 seconds
- Written from
- pib.gov.in
Question 2
What central share was approved for SARTHAK-PDS in May 2026?
- A₹12,000 crore
- B₹25,530 crore
- C₹41,534 crore
- D₹2,55,000 crore
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The central share is ₹25,530 crore, for the scheme running to March 2031.
₹41,534 crore was April's fertiliser subsidy requirement for kharif 2026.
- Concept
- SARTHAK-PDS outlay
- Typical time
- 50 seconds
- Written from
- pib.gov.in