HM Amit Shah Launches CBDC-Based PDS in Gujarat
Digital ration system aims to boost transparency, cut corruption, and reach poor households directly
- CBDC-based Public Distribution System launched in Gandhinagar
- Digital India expands into food grain distribution for the poor
- ‘Annapurna’ machines to ensure fast, accurate, transparent ration delivery
- Nationwide rollout planned over the next 3–4 years
GG News Bureau
Gandhinagar, 15th Feb: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, describing it as a major step toward transparent and technology-driven food security for the poor.
The launch ceremony was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the event, Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Digital India initiative is now expanding into the food supply system. He noted that the government has prioritised the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities in access to national resources.
Shah highlighted that India now accounts for nearly half of the world’s digital transactions and said the same digital infrastructure will be used to ensure affordable food grains reach beneficiaries without leakages. He added that the CBDC-based PDS would help eliminate corruption and middlemen from the ration distribution process.
He said the system reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and would ensure secure and transparent food distribution across the country.
During the event, Shah also inaugurated the “Annapurna” machine, which can dispense 25 kg of food grains in just 35 seconds. He said the machine would ensure better quality, accurate quantity, and transparency in ration distribution.
The Home Minister said the CBDC-based system is expected to be rolled out nationwide within the next three to four years. He added that once implemented, it would guarantee the delivery of 5 kg of free food grains per person per month to 80 crore beneficiaries across India.
Shah also highlighted other welfare measures, including the PM SVANidhi scheme for street vendors and increased allocations for agriculture. He said the government has lifted millions out of poverty and ensured direct financial support to farmers.
He asserted that the new digital PDS model would secure the food rights of the poor while ensuring efficiency and accountability in the distribution system.
