SC gives States, UTs three months for providing ration cards to migrant labourers

The Supreme Court on Thursday gave three months more time to all states and union territories to provide ration cards to migrant laborers registered on the government portal e-Shram. Justice M.R. A bench of Shah and Justice Ehsanuddin Amanullah said that wide publicity be given to give ration cards to migrant laborers registered on the portal of the Union Ministry of Labor and Employment so that they can avail benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

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The apex court’s order came on an application filed by petitioners Anjali Bharadwaj, Harsh Mander and Jagdeep Chhokkar, who sought that ration be given to migrant laborers over and above the ration quota under NFSA. The top court had on April 17 said that the central and state governments cannot deny ration cards to migrant workers merely on the ground that the population ratio under the NFSA is not properly maintained. The court had said that every citizen should get the benefit of welfare schemes. The apex court had said that it is the duty of the government to reach out to the people in a welfare state. The court said, “We are not saying that the government has failed to discharge its duty or there has been any negligence. Nevertheless, assuming that some people have been left out, the Central and State Governments should see to it that they get ration cards.

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