**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question (Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 638) regarding the SMARTPDS scheme, answered on July 23, 2025. The SMARTPDS scheme, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), focuses on modernizing and reforming the Public Distribution System (PDS) through technology, specifically by developing and implementing advanced integrated supply chain software in States/Union Territories.
The response clarifies the following:
* Computerized data related to the PDS under the SMARTPDS scheme will be shared *only* with other Ministries, Departments, and Organizations of the Government of India.
* There are no plans to monetize the data of the over 80 crore PDS beneficiaries.
* The Department is adhering to standard guidelines under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act when sharing data with other government entities.
The Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shrimati Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, provided the answer.
Key Entities Referenced
Public Distribution System (PDS): A government-run system for distributing food and other essential commodities to the public, particularly to those in need.
SMARTPDS Scheme: A centrally sponsored scheme for modernization and reforms through technology in the Public Distribution System.
SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH: Member of LOK SABHA, who raised the question about SMARTPDS scheme.
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION: The government ministry responsible for consumer affairs, food, and public distribution.
SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA: Minister of State for MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION.
LOK SABHA: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act: The act under which the department is conforming to standard guidelines with respect to sharing data with other ministries and departments of Government of India.
States/UTs: Refers to States and Union Territories of India, where the SMARTPDS scheme is being implemented.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRFD QUESTION NO. 638
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23RD JULY, 2025
SMART-PDS SCHEME
638. SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the computerised data pertaining to the Public Distribution System (PDS)
under the SMART-PDS scheme, shall be lent to other Government and non-
Government/private organisations;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the purposes;
(c) whether such a dissemination of data shall be monetised by the Government and if so,
the details thereof;
(d) whether any permission shall be taken from the beneficiaries enrolled under the said
scheme before transferring such data to other organisations; and
(e) if so, the details thereon
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)
(a) to (b): This Department is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
“Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System
(SMART-PDS)” for the development and implementation of advanced integrated supply chain
software in States/UTs. The computerised data pertaining to the Public Distribution System
(PDS) under the SMART-PDS scheme shall be ]ent to other Ministries, Departments and
Organizations of Government of India only.
(c): This department has no plan to monetize the data pertaining to more than 80 crore PDS
beneficiaries.
(d) & (e): Department is conforming to standard guidelines under Digital Personal Data
Protection Act with respect to sharing data with other ministries and departments of
Government of India
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