In May 2020, the Union government announced that it would expedite the implementation of the “one nation, one ration card” scheme to allow ...
In May 2020, the Union government announced that it would expedite the implementation of the “one nation, one ration card” scheme to allow citizens to get subsidised food from the public distribution system no matter where in the country they found themselves. But the roll-out across states to enable this portability of benefits has been uneven. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court was prompted to direct all states and Union Territories to implement the scheme by July 31.
The Supreme Court intervention is a most welcome step.
However it is difficult to ignore the fact that last year’s announcement about implementing the one nation, one ration card scheme had come as a damage-control measure after media reports about the plight of the migrant workers who found themselves stranded in India’s cities. They had been left without money for food or rent when their work dried up following the hasty announcement on March 24, 2020, of lockdown to prevent against the spread of the coronavirus.
Responding to a petition seeking relief for the migrant workers, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde had inquired, “If they are being provided meals, then why do they need money for meals?”
Reviewing the judicial response to petitions seeking assistance for the migrants, commentators...
