Intra-State Movement of Foodgrains and FPS Dealer Margins

A standalone central assistance scheme has long provided financial support to states for the cost of transporting foodgrains from the point of central allocation (typically the nearest FCI depot or rail head) to the FPS, including handling and storage costs. This "intra-state movement" assistance recognises that the central procurement and interstate logistics are FCI's responsibility, while last-mile logistics within the state are a shared Centre-State cost. FPS dealer margins — the per-quintal commission paid to FPS licensees — directly determine whether FPS operations are financially viable. Low margins have historically led to adulteration, diversion, or shop closures. SARTHAK-PDS merges this scheme with SMART-PDS into a single umbrella, ensuring both the physical logistics support and the technology reform are co-funded under one framework.