The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of the Sarthak-PDS scheme with a central outlay of Rs 25,530 crore to support intra-state transportation of food grains and modernization of the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The scheme, officially named ‘Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS’ (Sarthak-PDS), has been approved as an umbrella programme for the 16th Finance Commission award period.

According to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the scheme will be implemented over a five-year period from April 2026 to March 2031. The initiative aims to strengthen food distribution efficiency, improve supply chain operations and accelerate automation within the PDS network across states.