Bihar Targets One Crore New Ration Cards, CM Reviews PDS with Union Minister

Brief By Newsbrief / 6:13 PM on 09 Jul 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday reviewed the state's Public Distribution System (PDS) with Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi, focusing on improving food security through technology and greater transparency. The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive and updated database of beneficiaries and expedite the issuance of one crore new ration cards. He praised Bihar's online PDS while calling for further improvements in monitoring and service delivery. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and discussed developing smart warehousing for better food grain storage. Officials examined the 'Saarthak PDS' model, including its technological framework and cost-sharing mechanism. Choudhary instructed authorities to strengthen warehouse infrastructure, ensure uninterrupted electricity and basic facilities, and improve monitoring so that every eligible beneficiary receives food grains efficiently, transparently and with dignity.