Deepali Kalia –
Supreme Court on June 11th told the West Bengal government that it must implement ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme for the benefit of migrant workers.
A special Bench comprising of Justice M.R. Shah and Justice Ashok Bhushan made the following statement in a suo moto hearing on welfare measures for migrant workers in order to aid them, especially through the trying times brought on by the global pandemic.
Measures undertaken by the Centre in order to provide necessary facilities to migrant families and meet their basic needs such as community kitchens, supply of free food grains are being monitored by the Top Court.
The ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme provides migrants access to food grains in any fair price shop anywhere in the country, irrespective of where their ration card is registered.
“You must implement the One Nation One Ration Card scheme.” Justice M.R. Shah said to Advocate Liz Mathew, who was representing the West Bengal government.
It was submitted by Ms. Mathew before the Bench that the State would work towards executing the scheme but was currently facing issues related to Aadhaar card seeding.
“You cannot cite one problem or other. This is for migrant workers, so they can avail welfare benefits under various government schemes.” Justice M.R. Shah asserted in response.
The Court reserved the case for judgment.