The Supreme Court on Monday (December 9) called on the Centre to shift its focus from providing free ration under the Food Security Act to generating employment opportunities for the poor. The court emphasized that while free ration benefits millions, creating jobs would provide a sustainable solution to poverty.
The bench expressed concern that the widespread distribution of free rations could lead states to issue ration cards indiscriminately, knowing the financial burden falls on the Centre. “If states were required to bear the cost of free ration, many would claim financial constraints,” the court observed, underscoring the need to address this dependency.
The Centre’s Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, informed the court that under the National Food Security Act (2013), the government provides essential commodities, including wheat and rice, to 80 crore people. However, petitioner Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that despite this effort, around 2 to 3 crore eligible individuals remain excluded from the scheme.
The hearing was part of a case addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers. The court had earlier directed states and Union Territories to issue ration cards to all eligible beneficiaries under the Food Security Act by November 19, 2024.
During the proceedings, a heated exchange occurred between SG Mehta and Bhushan. Mehta accused Bhushan of attempting to dictate government policy, while Bhushan countered by referencing previous allegations against Mehta, which he claimed had tarnished the Solicitor General’s image.
The court has deferred the matter to January 8, 2025, for further consideration.