Cabinet approves SARTHAK-PDS umbrella scheme with ₹25,530 crore Central outlay
On 27 May 2026 the CCEA approved SARTHAK-PDS, an umbrella scheme merging foodgrain-movement/FPS-dealer-margin assistance and SMART PDS, with a Central outlay of ₹25,530 crore up to 31 March 2031.
Summary
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the 'Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS' (SARTHAK-PDS) as an umbrella scheme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle, with ₹25,530 crore as Central share. It integrates (i) Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers' margin under NFSA and (ii) the Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in PDS (SMART PDS). The CCEA also revised the norms of Central assistance, including a higher FPS dealers' commission. The merged scheme will run up to 31.03.2031 to strengthen implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Key facts
- Scheme
- SARTHAK-PDS (umbrella)
- Approved by
- CCEA, 27 May 2026
- Outlay
- ₹25,530 crore (Central share)
- Merges
- Intra-State movement & FPS dealers' margin assistance + SMART PDS
- Period
- 16th Finance Commission cycle, up to 31.03.2031
- Law strengthened
- National Food Security Act, 2013
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the Central outlay approved by the Cabinet in May 2026 for the SARTHAK-PDS umbrella scheme?
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Correct answer: A — ₹25,530 crore
The CCEA approved SARTHAK-PDS with an outlay of ₹25,530 crore as Central share.
Consider the following statements about SARTHAK-PDS approved in May 2026: 1. It integrates the SMART PDS scheme with assistance for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers' margin. 2. The merged scheme will operate up to 31 March 2031. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
SARTHAK-PDS merges SMART PDS with the intra-State movement/FPS dealers' margin scheme and runs up to 31.03.2031.
SARTHAK-PDS aims to comprehensively strengthen the implementation of which law?
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Correct answer: D — National Food Security Act, 2013
The umbrella scheme is meant to strengthen implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).