Amit Shah to Launch India’s First CBDC-Based Public Distribution System in Gujarat

February 15, 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

The initiative has been undertaken by the Gujarat Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department and introduces subsidy transfers via the RBI-authorised CBDC platform.

Digital Token System Developed by PNB

The system has been developed by Punjab National Bank. Beneficiaries will receive digital tokens in their wallets specifying commodity details, quantity, and price.

During the pilot phase, 26,333 families across the Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad and districts including Surat, Anand, and Valsad have been covered.

Smartphone users will authenticate transactions via QR codes, while feature phone users will receive OTPs under Aadhaar-based verification.

Leaders to Attend Launch Event

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will attend the event.

Standardised Pulses Distribution Under NFSA

The state government will begin distributing tur and chana in standardised one-kg sealed packs to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), replacing loose distribution to maintain quality standards.

‘Annapurti Grain ATM’ Launched in Ahmedabad

An ‘Annapurti Grain ATM’ will also be introduced in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati zone. The automated machine will operate 24/7 and dispense up to 25 kg of grain within 35 seconds.

Consumer Responsibility Index & Dispute Resolution

The state will sign MoUs with Care Rating and Consumer Education and Research Centre to launch a Consumer Responsibility Index for rating companies.

A conciliation and pre-litigation mechanism will also be introduced to facilitate faster out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes.

CSR Push to Tackle Malnutrition in Narmada

Under the ‘Garima Poshan – Suposhit Garudeshwar Taluka’ campaign, Rs 1.65 crore from the CSR funds of Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited will be allocated to combat malnutrition in Garudeshwar taluka of Narmada district.

The initiative includes establishing two model anganwadis and targeted health interventions for adolescent girls and pregnant women.