Govt to use AI for selection of beneficiaries, ration delivery and complaints
The Indian government has approved a five-year extension of the Sarthak-PDS scheme, which will utilize artificial intelligence to enhance the public distribution system. This initiative aims to modernize the distribution of subsidized food grains and improve the handling of citizen complaints. The program is expected to significantly streamline logistics and reduce carbon emissions in the supply chain.
- ▪The Sarthak-PDS scheme will run from April 2026 to March 2031 with a budget of ₹25,530 crore.
- ▪Three AI-enabled systems will be introduced to improve beneficiary identification, grievance handling, and supply chain management.
- ▪The technology upgrade is projected to reduce food grain transport distances by 15% to 50% and save around ₹280 crore annually.
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Govt to use AI for selection of beneficiaries, ration delivery and complaintsThe scheme now extends from April 2026 to March 2031 and aims to modernize country’s PDS, which distributes subsidised food grains through ration shopsPublished on: May 27, 2026 7:00 PM ISTBy Sejal SharmaShare viaCopy link Union cabinet on Wednesday approved the ₹25,530 crore extension of the Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS [public distribution system] (Sarthak-PDS) for five years to use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify beneficiaries in real time, track food grain movement, and handle citizen complaints on WhatsApp and phone calls.Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addresses a press conference after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday,…
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