Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 10: The Supreme Court, during a hearing on a plea seeking the implementation of the Food Security Act for the distribution of ration, suggested that the central government should focus on creating employment opportunities in addition to distributing free ration to the poor.

The bench remarked, “If large-scale ration distribution continues, state governments might persist with issuing ration cards to appease the public, as the responsibility of providing ration lies with the central government.”

The court further observed that while directing states to distribute free ration, they could cite financial constraints to refuse it. Hence, the emphasis should be on job creation to address the issue comprehensively.

The bench also questioned whether states continuing to issue ration cards would necessitate a mandate to provide ration.

Representing the Centre, solicitor general Tushar Mehta informed the court that under the National Food Security Act 2013, the central government provides free wheat and rice to 80 crore poor citizens. Meanwhile, advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, argued that 2 to 3 crore people in the country are still excluded from the benefits of the scheme.

Acknowledging concerns raised about food insecurity and migrant workers, the Supreme Court directed state governments and union territories to identify eligible beneficiaries under the Food Security Act and distribute ration cards to them by November 19, 2024, as per its earlier orders.

During the hearing, heated exchanges occurred between solicitor general Tushar Mehta and advocate Prashant Bhushan. The court later adjourned the matter, scheduling the next hearing for January 8, 2025.