Public Distribution System

August 14, 2026 6:02 PM

Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches CBDC-based DBT pilot for foodgrain distribution in Chandigarh

Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) pilot in Chandigarh, aimed at making foodgrain delivery under the Public Distribution System (PDS) more transparent, secure and timely. The initiative was launched at Tagore Theatre in an event chaired by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. Union Minister for Education, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Ren...

July 2, 2026 4:28 PM

Government approves supply of better-quality rice under PMGKAY; over 80 crore beneficiaries to benefit

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a major reform to improve the quality of rice distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes, paving the way for over 80 crore beneficiaries to receive rice with significantly lower broken grain content. The decision marks the first revision in nearly three decades to the quality specifications of rice supplied through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Under the new policy, the pe...

May 27, 2026 5:30 PM

Cabinet approves Rs 25,530 crore SARTHAK-PDS scheme to modernise public distribution system

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the continuation and integration of two key food distribution schemes under a new umbrella programme titled “Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS” (SARTHAK-PDS). The Centre will spend ₹25,530 crore over the next five years as its share for the implementation of the scheme during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, with the programm...