Centrally Sponsored Schemes

Annapurna Scheme

• The "Annapurna Scheme" is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. 
• Under the Annapurna Scheme,  Senior citizens aged 65 years or above who are not receiving pensions under the National Old Age Pension Scheme or the State Pension Scheme are entitled to receive 10 kilograms of food grains free of cost every month.(Resolution No. PDS/102001/1777/K, dated 09/11/2001)

Rice Fortification and its Distribution under Public Distribution System

• Under the "Fortification of Rice and its Distribution under Public Distribution System" scheme, which was implemented by the Government of India in the year 2019-20 on a "pilot basis," has been implemented throughout the country from the year 2023-24.
• Under this scheme, the subsidy expenditure of Rs. 73/- per quintal, which is approved for rice fortification, will be fully (100% contribution) borne by the Central Government until December 2028.

SMART -PDS

• The Government of India has granted administrative approval for the implementation of the centrally sponsored scheme (60:40) for (SMART-PDS) Scheme for Modernization and Reform through Technology in Public Distribution System across all states and Union Territories for a period of three years (from April 2023 to March 2026).This scheme aims to:Sustain the technology-based reforms introduced under the End-to-End Computerization Scheme in all states/UTs. Further strengthen the improvements implemented under the IM-PDS Scheme. Introduce future/innovative reforms in the functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS).Enhance national portability under the "One Nation One Ration Card" scheme. Address challenges faced by states/UTs in maintaining the use of technology in PDS operations.The objective is to make the Public Distribution System more efficient,transparent, and technology-driven.