Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for the Public Distribution System (PDS) at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh. The event was chaired by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and attended by Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya.
The pilot aims to ensure ration and foodgrain entitlements reach beneficiaries directly, securely and transparently, Chouhan said.
Technological safeguards in the CBDC platform will restrict use of transferred funds to foodgrains and essential food items, while giving beneficiaries expanded choices beyond wheat and rice to include pulses and other essentials.
“This is a major technological innovation that will reduce intermediaries and prevent diversion of benefits,” Chouhan said, praising the departmental team responsible for developing the system. Chandigarh will serve as the model city for the pilot, with a phased national rollout planned based on results.
On farmers’ interests, Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to protect agricultural and food-security priorities, saying India now has strong stocks of wheat and rice and can meet domestic needs while exporting when required. He also highlighted continued transparent delivery of schemes such as PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi.
Chouhan criticised disruptions in Parliament, calling disorderly conduct an insult to the Constitution, and said debate is vital but disruption unacceptable.
Praising the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, he said free foodgrains for over 800 million people strengthen household finances and prevent hunger.
The CBDC-based DBT, he added, reduces the scope for irregularities and ensures benefits are spent on intended essentials.
Chouhan also appealed to citizens to take part in the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, plant trees and uphold civic duties. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim that “the government should not merely be visible in files, but in the lives of the people,” and referenced the “Lakhpati Didi” goal of making 60 million rural women financially prosperous by 2029.
Officials said the Chandigarh pilot will be closely monitored, refined as needed, and scaled across states if successful.
