The Supreme Court of India today(19th March 2025), heard a suo motu case regarding the distribution of ration to migrant workers during the COVID-19 crisis, with concerns raised about the exclusion of millions from the food security net.
During the hearing, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan highlighted a major discrepancy in the distribution of ration cards, citing data from the e-Shram portal. “More than 8 crore people registered on the portal do not have ration cards, despite the Food Security Act mandating coverage for 50% of the urban and 75% of the rural population,” Bhushan argued. He further pointed out that the last census was conducted in 2011, and with no new census in 2021, the government’s own estimates suggest that 10 crore more people should be eligible.
Justice Surya Kant questioned the allocation process, asking whether migrant workers were registered in their state of origin or their place of work. Bhushan responded that 30 crore workers were registered centrally, and yet a significant portion remained excluded from ration benefits.
The court also raised concerns about the politicization of ration card distribution. Justice Kant observed, “Ration cards seem to have become popularity cards. We need to ensure that benefits reach the genuine Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.” He also emphasized the need to reconcile contradictions, as some states claim economic growth while simultaneously reporting 75% of their population as BPL.
Bhushan further argued that food is a fundamental right, and excessive scrutiny to identify a small percentage of undeserving beneficiaries could delay relief for the overwhelming majority in need. “We could spend years trying to find the 5% undeserving, while 95% continue to suffer without food,” he warned.
Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati defended the government’s efforts, stating that 81.35 crore people were covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and an additional 11 crore under another scheme. However, Justice Kant stressed that ensuring food security for the deserving population remains a priority, urging a transparent and efficient system to prevent exclusion.
As the Supreme Court continues to deliberate, the case underscores the urgent need for a revised and updated approach to food security in India, ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out due to bureaucratic hurdles or outdated population estimates.