Supreme Court on Free Ration:
The Supreme Court has made an important comment on the distribution of free rations by the Central Government. On Monday, the Court heard a case regarding the supply of food under the Food Security Act. During this time, the Supreme Court urged the Central Government to focus on employment generation rather than just providing free rations to the poor.
The Court stated that if the practice of distributing rations on such a large scale continues, state governments will keep distributing ration cards to people as a form of appeasement, knowing that the responsibility of providing food grains to these people lies with the central government. The Court observed that if states are asked to provide free rations, most will claim they cannot do so due to a lack of funds. Therefore, the government’s goal should be employment generation. The Court also raised the question of whether states should be made to pay for the rations if they continue to distribute ration cards.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, informed the Court that the government provides rations in the form of wheat, rice, and other essential commodities to 80 crore poor people under the National Food Security Act 2013. However, petitioner lawyer Prashant Bhushan argued that despite this, 2 to 3 crore people remain deprived of the scheme.
The Court was hearing a petition regarding the hardships faced by migrant workers and their dire conditions. Earlier, the Court had ruled that ration cards should be issued to those who are eligible by November 19, 2024.
During Monday’s hearing, SG Mehta and petitioner Prashant Bhushan were seen engaging in a verbal altercation. Meanwhile, the Court has adjourned the hearing of the case until January 8, 2025.
