The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the extension of the Sarthak-PDS scheme, allocating a substantial central outlay of Rs 25,530 crore. This decision, announced on Wednesday, aims to bolster the efficiency of the public distribution system (PDS) across the country.
Scheme Objectives and Benefits
The Sarthak-PDS scheme is designed to provide crucial financial assistance to state agencies responsible for the intra-state transportation of food grains. Additionally, it focuses on the modernization of the public distribution system, ensuring that food grains reach beneficiaries in a timely and efficient manner. The extension is expected to streamline operations, reduce logistical bottlenecks, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the PDS network.
Key Features of the Extended Scheme
- Financial Support: A central outlay of Rs 25,530 crore will be disbursed to state agencies for intra-state movement of food grains.
- Modernization Efforts: Funds will also be utilized for upgrading technology and infrastructure within the public distribution system.
- Improved Efficiency: The scheme aims to reduce delays and waste in the supply chain, ensuring better delivery of subsidized food to eligible households.
The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening the food security framework. The extension comes as part of broader efforts to reform the PDS and make it more responsive to the needs of the population.
State governments are expected to benefit significantly from the increased funding, which will help them manage logistics more effectively. The modernization component includes the adoption of digital tools for tracking and monitoring food grain distribution, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.
This move is seen as a strategic step to support the agricultural supply chain and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the grassroots level. The Sarthak-PDS scheme has been instrumental in reducing leakages and improving the targeting of subsidies, and its extension is likely to further these gains.
