Why in news?
The government has launched several new initiatives in 2025 to improve the Public Distribution System (PDS), focusing on digital transformation, supply chain efficiency, transparency, and enhanced service delivery to beneficiaries.

Key New Initiatives

• Digital Warehousing Modernization: Initiatives such as Bhandara 360, Smart EXIM Warehouse, Anna Darpan cloud-based platforms, and a modern SILO facility at Malout, Gujarat, have been launched to modernize warehousing operations, reduce logistics costs, and minimize turnaround time in food distribution. These aim to strengthen the supply chain efficiency and provide accurate and dignified delivery of food grains.​
• Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution (ASHA): A cutting-edge AI-powered solution implemented with backing from the India AI Mission and the Wadhwani Foundation. ASHA enables beneficiaries to report on the receipt of full entitlements, quality of food grains, and issues faced at Fair Price Shops. It integrates with 35 external systems for seamless data flow and transparency.​
• Real-time Digital Monitoring and Security Enhancements: Introduction of single sign-on, role-based access, end-to-end data encryption, real-time dashboards, automated workflows including chatbots and robotic process automation (RPA), and predictive analytics to support faster decision-making and better monitoring from warehouses to corporate levels.​
• One Nation-One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme: Continuation and expansion of the ONORC scheme enable nationwide portability of ration cards, allowing beneficiaries to access PDS from anywhere in India. Monitoring and awareness efforts include SMS notifications for stock status, transactions, and scheme updates in local languages.​
• Grievance Redressal and Beneficiary Cleanup: Use of Aadhaar-seeding and data analytics has led to removing ineligible beneficiaries to curb leakage and improve targeting. The government is also focusing on strengthening grievance redressal at various administrative levels, ensuring timely and accessible redress for beneficiaries.​
• SMART-PDS Scheme: Approved for 2023-2026, SMART-PDS updates technology and management systems from previous computerization schemes, aiming at continuous modernization and improvement in PDS operations.​

Significance and Expected Impact

• These initiatives are expected to significantly improve the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the PDS.
• Reduction in logistics costs and minimization of turnaround time.
• Better coordination between stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate delivery of subsidized food grains.
• Enhanced beneficiary participation and feedback through AI and digital tools.
• Overall strengthening of India's food security framework for over 78 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act.​

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