India, May 28 -- The Union Government on Wednesday approved the SARTHAK-PDS scheme for the next five years till March 2031 with an outlay of Rs 25,530 crore. The scheme aims to overhaul the Public Distribution Infrastructure (PDS) using AI and other emerging technologies, affecting about 81 crore people under the National Food Security Act.

The Cabinet also cleared revisions to norms governing margins at Fair Price Shops (FPS) and assistance given by the Union Government to States and Union Territories for movement and handling of food grains.

State Governments were facing difficulties in bearing the transportation cost of foodgrain to PDS shops.

This cost will be supported under the scheme wherein FPS dealers' remuneration will also b...