Digital rupee ensures transparent ration distribution, says Minister Chauhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced that the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) will now underpin the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for food grains, bringing unprecedented transparency to India’s Public Distribution System (PDS).

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Chandigarh, Chauhan explained that the digital rupee will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ wallets, restricting transactions solely to essential food items such as wheat, rice, and pulses. This technology eliminates the need for cash handovers and reduces the risk of diversion.

The minister highlighted that the pilot, launched at Tagore Theatre, will be replicated across the country after successful implementation. He praised the department officials for their role in creating a secure, technology‑driven model that aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of "government in people’s lives, not just on paper."

Chauhan also underscored India’s robust grain reserves, which enable the nation to meet internal demand and support exports when necessary. He lauded the Poor Welfare Ann Plan for feeding more than 80 crore citizens and stressed that the DBT scheme will further strengthen this safety net.

Addressing recent political unrest, the minister warned that any attempts to disrupt parliamentary proceedings undermine democratic values. He called for constructive debate while condemning obstructionist tactics.

The digital DBT system also incorporates a choice mechanism, allowing families to opt for different grain varieties, thereby respecting consumer preferences while safeguarding the intended purpose of subsidies.