States, UTs Asked to implement ‘One Nation One Ration card’ scheme till Jul 31

Delhi, Jun 29 – Issuing a slew of directions relating to the welfare of migrant workers due to COVID-19, the Supreme Court directed the state governments and Union Territories to implement the ‘One Nation, One Ration card scheme’ till July 31 here today.

The Apex Court bench comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and M R Shah was hearing a plea seeking food security, cash transfers and other such benefits to workers who have been hit hard due to the curbs imposed during the ongoing pandemic.

The bench asked the Centre to have its national portal to register migrant and unorganised workers up and running by July 31.

It was also directed state governments to provide dry ration and continue the community kitchens for migrant workers amid the ongoing pandemic.

The plea was filed by activists Anjali Bharadwaj, Harsh Mander, and Jagdeep Chhokar.

Earlier this month, the Centre had informed the top court that a total of 32 States/UTs covering around 86 per cent of the population covered under the National Food Security Act in the country have been brought under the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ plan by December 2020, except Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and West Bengal.