The government is preparing to widen the scope of its digital food subsidy initiative built on the central bank digital currency (CBDC) framework. After initial pilot programmes in select regions, the scheme is expected to be extended to additional Union Territories in the coming months.
The initiative seeks to address inefficiencies in the existing public distribution system while maintaining targeted delivery of essential food support, as per The Economic Times report.
Following pilot implementation in Gujarat and Puducherry, the government plans to extend the CBDC-based food subsidy model to Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu by June. The expansion reflects a gradual approach towards testing and scaling digital alternatives within welfare distribution systems.
Under the programme, beneficiaries receive their entitlement through a digital token instead of physical grain collection. This token is issued via a CBDC-linked wallet and can be used to purchase eligible food items such as wheat and rice.
The token functions similarly to a digital voucher, allowing beneficiaries to redeem their entitlement at authorised outlets while ensuring that it is used only for approved purposes.
The traditional public distribution system often faces operational challenges, including stock shortages and uneven access during the monthly distribution cycle. Beneficiaries who are unable to collect their share on time may receive reduced quantities or depend on intermediaries.
The CBDC-based model aims to reduce such inefficiencies by placing entitlement directly in the hands of beneficiaries, improving transparency and access, the report added.
While direct benefit transfers (DBT) offer an alternative, unrestricted cash transfers may not always serve the intended purpose of food security. Funds credited directly into bank accounts could be used for non-essential spending.
The CBDC model is positioned as a structured alternative, allowing funds to be used only for designated items while retaining the flexibility of digital transactions.
The scheme has been designed to accommodate different levels of digital access:
This multi-channel approach aims to ensure inclusion across user groups.
The new system also impacts ration shop operators. Under the existing mechanism, payments to dealers may be delayed. With the CBDC model, transactions trigger automatic payments into the dealer’s wallet, enabling faster and more transparent settlement.
Currently, the digital tokens are valid for one month. There is scope to extend the validity period, with discussions indicating that a window of up to three months may be considered if required.
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The proposed expansion of the CBDC-based food subsidy programme reflects an effort to improve the efficiency and reliability of welfare distribution. By combining digital technology with targeted usage controls, the model attempts to address limitations in both physical distribution and direct cash transfers. Its broader impact will depend on implementation and user adoption as the programme scales to new regions.
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Published on: May 4, 2026, 2:05 PM IST
Neha Dubey
Neha Dubey is a Content Analyst with 3 years of experience in financial journalism, having written for a leading newswire agency and multiple newspapers. At Angel One, she creates daily content on finance and the economy. Neha holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Journalism.
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