Amit Shah Launches CBDC-Based Public Distribution System in Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, February 15, 2026: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a major step in the government’s push to integrate Digital India initiatives with welfare delivery. Addressing the gathering, Shah described the new system as transparent, modern, and designed to curb corruption in food grain distribution. He said the initiative reflects the vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” and will help ensure secure and direct delivery of subsidised food grains to beneficiaries. Shah highlighted India’s rapid digital transformation, noting that the expansion of connectivity and digital infrastructure is enabling reforms across sectors. He expressed confidence that the CBDC-enabled PDS would strengthen food security and protect the rights of the underprivileged through a reliable and tamper-proof mechanism. The event also featured the inauguration of the ‘Annapurna’ machine, which can reportedly dispense 25 kg of food grains within seconds, aimed at improving efficiency and accuracy in ration distribution. The Union Minister stated that the technology-driven system is expected to be expanded nationwide over the next few years, reinforcing transparency and reducing the role of intermediaries in welfare schemes.