NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday raised concerns over whether essential goods provided at subsidised rates are actually reaching the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Many State governments claim to provide ration to those in need, but the reality may be different.
Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud highlighted the significance of fraternity as the essence of democracy at a Kochi lecture. He stressed its role in promoting love and human dignity, cautioning against existential threats like climate change. He also underscored India’s workforce potential while noting the concerning low female workforce participation.
The Supreme Court mandated states and Union Territories to issue ration cards to 80 million e-Shram portal registered migrant workers to improve food security. Delays in ration card distribution due to e-KYC updates for 800 million existing holders were addressed. The bench emphasized urgency, setting the next hearing for July 16, and highlighted the exclusion of over 100 million workers from the Food Safety Act due to outdated census data.
