The Supreme Court on Monday, December 9, urged the Centre to focus on generating employment rather than solely providing free rations to the country’s poor under the Food Security Act. The court expressed concern that the ongoing large-scale ration distribution might lead state governments to issue ration cards simply to appease the public, knowing the Centre bears the responsibility for providing the grains.
The court observed, “If the states were asked to provide free ration, many would claim they cannot due to financial constraints. Therefore, the focus should shift towards creating more employment opportunities.”
Additionally, the court raised the question of whether states should be required to bear the cost of ration distribution if they continue issuing ration cards.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, informed the court that the government provides free rations, including wheat and rice, to around 80 crore people under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013. However, Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, argued that despite this, 2 to 3 crore people have been excluded from the scheme.
The court was hearing a plea highlighting the plight of migrant workers. Previously, the court had directed that those entitled to ration cards or food grains under the NFSA, as identified by their respective states or Union Territories, must be issued ration cards by November 19, 2024.
The proceedings saw a heated exchange between Solicitor General Mehta and Advocate Bhushan. Mehta pointed out that the case had been initiated by the Supreme Court in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, accusing Bhushan of attempting to run the government and dictate policy. In response, Bhushan claimed that the Solicitor General’s comments were a retaliation for Bhushan’s earlier revelation of emails that he argued had damaged Mehta’s reputation.
The court decided to defer the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for January 8, 2025.
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