Daily News Analysis ‘The Science of Why Gold Does Not Rust ’ : 28 May

Why in News:

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the rollout of the technology-driven SARTHAK-PDS scheme to overhaul India’s public food distribution value chain.

Key Facts: Understanding the SARTHAK-PDS Framework

• Definition & Full Form: SARTHAK-PDS stands for Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS, structured as an umbrella modernization initiative for food security.
• Timeframe & Financial Allocation: The scheme is approved for a five-year implementation period (spanning from April 2026 to March 2031) aligned with the 16th Finance Commission award period, featuring a total Central outlay of ₹25,530 crore.
• Program Consolidation: It brings financial assistance and digital reforms under a single administrative framework by integrating two existing programs:
  • Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA.
  • Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART PDS).
• Financial & Dealer Support: The scheme provides assured financial funding to states for the intra-state movement and handling of foodgrains while enhancing the profit margins and remuneration of local Fair Price Shop dealers.
• Target Beneficiary Base: The modernized architecture is anchored to support the statutory food and nutritional security commitments for 81.35 crore individual beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
• The Three Core AI Technology Pillars:
  • NIRMAL: An Artificial Intelligence-driven real-time beneficiary registry designed to systematically identify and weed out duplicate or ghost ration cards.
  • SAKSHAM: An AI-enabled supply chain optimization platform integrating Global Positioning System vehicle tracking, demand forecasting, and automated route mapping alongside tamper-proof QR-coded grain bags.
  • ASHA: A multilingual, Natural Language Processing-powered citizen engagement and grievance redressal system operating via automated calls, WhatsApp, and chatbots.