Chandigarh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have become two Union Territories where  the government will transfer ration subsidies digitally directly to beneficiaries' wallets starting August 14, 2026. This central government scheme aims to prevent theft and misuse of food subsidies provided under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.  

What's unique about the scheme?
The most important feature of the scheme is its purpose-bound nature. This means that the digital currency sent by the government to the wallet can only be used to purchase grains like wheat and rice. Beneficiaries will not be able to use it to purchase anything other than rations.

30-day deadline:
The ration money received in your wallet must be spent within one month. This means the amount will be valid for one month only. If the beneficiary doesn't purchase ration within this month, the money will automatically be returned to the government account. Since every digital transaction is recorded in real time, it makes it easier for the government to track it.

PC-Jagran