Home Minister Amit Shah Launches CBDC-Based PDS in Gandhinagar, Digital Ration System Begins
Gandhinagar, February 2026: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gujarat’s capital, Gandhinagar. The initiative marks a significant step in integrating Digital India reforms with the country’s food security framework.
The launch event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, among other dignitaries.
Digital India Enters Food Security
Addressing the gathering, Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Digital India is now expanding into the food and supply ecosystem. He emphasized that the CBDC-based PDS will eliminate corruption and ensure transparent ration distribution to beneficiaries.
The new system integrates digital currency technology into the PDS framework, aiming to deliver subsidised food grains directly and securely to eligible citizens. Shah highlighted that similar to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the digital model would reduce leakages and middlemen in the supply chain.
‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ in Action
The Union Home Minister described the initiative as a ground-level implementation of the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. He stated that the CBDC-powered PDS represents a blend of modern technology and sensitivity toward the poor, ensuring that food security rights are protected through a secure and transparent mechanism.
An ‘Annapurna’ machine capable of distributing 25 kg of food grains within 35 seconds was also inaugurated. The government plans to expand this technology-driven system nationwide over the next three to four years.
Focus on Farmers and Trade
Shri Amit Shah also stated that the government has safeguarded farmers’ interests through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the European Union and the United Kingdom, as well as a trade deal with the United States. He said the agreements protect India’s agriculture and dairy sectors while opening global markets for farmers and fishermen.
He added that agricultural budget allocations have increased significantly under the current government and that direct financial assistance to farmers has been strengthened through annual transfers.
The CBDC-based PDS rollout is expected to enhance transparency in food grain distribution for millions of beneficiaries, reinforcing India’s digital governance model and strengthening the country’s food security network.