Raipur, May 27: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of ₹25,530 crore for the SARTHAK-PDS Phase-2 project, terming it a historic and visionary step towards poor welfare, food security, and good governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chief Minister said the decision will prove to be a significant milestone in making the Public Distribution System (PDS) technology-driven, transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric.

Chhattisgarh is committed to ensuring a 100 per cent transparent delivery of welfare schemes to the poor under the “double-engine” government, Chief Minister Sai added.

The implementation of SARTHAK-PDS Phase-2 will strengthen the ration distribution system through advanced features like Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled beneficiary registries, GPS tracking, QR code tagging, real-time monitoring, and modern supply chain management. These technological interventions will ensure timely and transparent benefits of affordable food grains to eligible beneficiaries.

Chief Minister Sai noted that the Union Government’s decision goes beyond technical upgrades. It offers crucial financial assistance to states to manage the rising costs of ration transportation, handling, and fair price shop operations.

The project also includes provisions to increase the remuneration of fair price shop dealers, which the Chief Minister said will make the grassroots distribution mechanism highly effective.

The scheme, scheduled to run until 31 March 2031, will play a vital role in securing food safety for crores of beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The integration of innovation such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and digital monitoring will reinforce public trust, transparency, and accountability in the PDS system, driving forward Prime Minister Modi’s resolve to empower the last man in the queue, Chief Minister Sai said.

Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister concluded that the decision will fortify trust, convenience, and good governance in the lives of the poor.