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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1952
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10TH MARCH, 2026
IMPLEFVIENTATION OF THE SMART-PDS
1952 S H RI R, DHARMA R:
Will the Minister of Consumer Affairs. Food and Public Distribution be pleased to
state
(a-): ho\\- many States have adopted the SMART-PDS system so fdr and the challenges the}
are facing in the implement,dion process;
(b): the prinrdry objecti\'es of the SMART-PDS scheme in improving the Public Distribution
System (PDS-) in the country, the percentage of population expected to benefit from the
modernization efforts under SMART-PDS:
(c): whether Government allocated funds for strengthening digital infrastructure and internet
connectivity in remote areas for effective implementation of SMART-PDS; and
(d): the medsures being taken to ensure that beneficiaries in remote or rural areas with
limited djgjt,II access can benefit from SMART-PDS?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)
(a): This Department has signed MoUs with 36 States/UTs for the SMART-PDS scheme. At
present, the development of SMART PDS is under progress.
The adoption of SMART-PDS modules across States/UTs is being carried out in a phased
manner depending on the readiness of States/UTs and migration of their legacy systems. During
the implementation process, certain operational and technical challenges are being addressed in
consultation with States/UTs, including:
1. Variations in legacy workflows: States follow different operational processes, which require
configuration and alignment with the standardized SMART-PDS framework
2. Differences in user management structures: Variations in user hierarchy, roles and access
control mechanisms across States require harmonization with the role-based access framework of
SMART-PDS
3. Variations in Ration Card (RC) and Fair Price Shop (FPS) formats: Differences in
formats and numbering conventions affect data validation and system integration.
4. Data discrepancies in legacy databases: Issues such as duplicate ration cards or members,multiple heads of family, Aadhaar duplication, missing mandatory fields and scheme mismatches
require data cleansing prior m
migration.
5. Differences in beneficiary capping mechanisms: States follow different entitlement and
beneficiary capping practices which need to be configured in the system.
6. Completion of technical integrations: Certain States are in the process of completing
integrations such as Aadhaar authentication enablement (AUA/Sub-AUA) and related technical
requrrements.
At present, implementation of different modules under SMART-PDS is at various stages across
States/UTs. As per the current status :
• RCMS & FPS module has been deployed and implemented in 12 States/UTs, while 13
States/UTs have completed migration of ration card, FPS and transaction data.
• Supply Chain & Allocation module has been implemented in 20 States/UTs.
• Biometric-based distribution system has been implemented in 28 States/UTs.
• Procurement module has been implemented in Uttarakhand.
(b): The SMART-PDS scheme aims to strengthen the technology infrastructure of the Public
Distribution System (PDS) and bring technology-driven reforms to improve efficiency,
transparency and accountability in the delivery of foodgrains under the National Food Security
Act (NFSA).
The scheme envisages development of an integrated and modular digital platform to
streamline and modernize key PDS operations such as ration card management, supply chain
management, allocation, procurement and biometric distribution through a centralized
architecture across States/UTs.
The primary objectives of SMART-PDS include:
• strengthening end-to-end digital management of PDS operations;
• enabling integrated and standardized IT systems across States/UTs;
• improving transparency, efficiency and real-time monitoring offoodgrain distribution;
• reducing leakages and enhancing accountability in the system; and
• supporting data-driven policy decisions through improved analytics and reporting.
The modernization efforts under SMART-PDS are expected to benefit 100 % of all
beneficiaries covered under NFS A across the country, which presently account for about 80
crore beneficiaries.
(c): Under the “Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public
Distribution System (SMART-PDS)”, financial assistance is provided to States/UTs for
strengthening digital infrastructure and implementation of technology-based PDS systems.
Further, issues related to internet connectivity for ePoS devices at Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in
remote and low-connectivity areas are taken up with the concerned authorities, including the
Department of Telecommunications, to ensure smooth functioning of PDS operations.
(d): To ensure seamless delivery of services to beneficiaries in remote and rural areas, several
measures have been undertaken by the Government. Electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devicesinstalled at Fair Price Shops (FPSs) are enabled with offline functionality, which allows
transactions to be carried out even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. The
transaction data is subsequently synchronized with the central PDS system once the device
reconnects to the network.
Further, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been requested to facilitate
improvement of internet and mobile connectivity in identified shadow or low-network areas to
support smooth functioning of ePoS devices. Additionally, under the One Nation One Ration
Card (ONORC) initiative, beneficiaries are empowered to lift their entitled foodgrains from any
FPS with an operational ePoS device across the country, thereby minimizing service disruptions
arising due to connectivity constraints at specific locations.
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