SC Tells Centre To Consider Viability Of Implemention Of "One Nation One Ration Card Scheme" [Read Order]

The Supreme Court on Monday observed that the feasibility of a plea seeking implementation of the "One Nation One Ration Card" forthwith for benefitting the migrant workers be introspected by the Union.

Even though, the bench comprising Justices N.V. Ramana, Sanjay Kishan Kaul & B.R. Gavai did not consider it appropriate to intervene for advanced implementation of the said scheme (set to be effective from June 2020), bench directed the Centre to consider the viability of  itspreponement at this stage.

The bench further stated that the "Government is looking after these things".

The petition sought the advanced implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme to ensure availability of subsidised food grains to beneficiaries who are presently aggrieved amid the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

To effectuate the same, it was prayed that the "One Nation One Umbrella (ONOU)" scheme may be temporarily adopted so that the rights of migrant workers and the destitute are safeguarded by the Government.

Filed by Advocate Reepak Kansal & AoR Sanjay Kumar Visen, the petition urged that the Central Government be directed to adopt ONORC in order to protect the rights of these people specifically, who are equally entitled to benefits of Government schemes.

Invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, Kansal argued that the Central and State Governments are obliged to provide food, shelter and medical aid to all such persons and that must adopt ONOU.

"The scheme of "One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)" announced by Central Government which is about to start in the month of June, 2020. Due to lack of scheme of One Nation One Rashan Card and another policy / circular / notification by Central Government to protect the rights of laborers / employees/ small businessman / daily wagers / tourists etc, in regard to protect the lives and health of above-said section. The said section of the society has not been getting benefits of schemes of Central Government and State Governments including subsidized food grains, shelter and medical facilities (Except Corona Treatment)" the petitioner averred.

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