Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Panel Recommends Expanding Digital Currency for Food Subsidies
A parliament panel suggested expanding the use of digital currency for food subsidies.
They want to use CBDC food coupons to make the free ration scheme more efficient.
Currently, this is being tested in Gujarat and Puducherry.
The panel also wants to add more beneficiaries and ensure that eligible households are included.
They have recommended comparing cash transfers with physical distribution before expanding the digital currency model.
The goal is to make sure the system is fair and works well for everyone.
A parliament panel recommends phased expansion of CBDC for food subsidies to improve efficiency.
CBDC food coupons are being piloted in Gujarat and Puducherry.
The panel suggests adding 7.9 million additional beneficiaries to the free ration scheme.
Periodic assessment of cash transfer models versus physical distribution is recommended before scaling up.
Aadhaar seeding has been completed for 99.8% of ration cards and 99.3% of beneficiaries.
- Who
- A parliament panel
- What
- Recommended phased expansion of CBDC for food subsidies
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- India
- Why
- To improve efficiency in implementing the free ration scheme and reduce leakages
Pro-Digital Currency Expansion
Cautious Approach
Implementation Strategy
Pro-Digital Currency Expansion
Supports phased expansion of CBDC for food subsidies to improve efficiency and reduce leakages.
Cautious Approach
Advocates for periodic assessment of cash transfer models versus physical distribution before scaling up.
- CBDC Pilot Locations
- Gujarat and Puducherry
- DBT Cash Transfer UTs
- Chandigarh, Puducherry, and urban parts of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Annual Subsidy Outlay
- Rs 2.4 lakh crore
- Additional Beneficiaries
- 7.9 million
- Total Beneficiaries
- 813 million
- Aadhaar Seeding Completion
- 99.8% of ration cards and 99.3% of beneficiaries
- Ration Cards Weeded Out
- 6.77 crore