In a significant move aimed at addressing the welfare concerns of migrant workers across the country, the Supreme Court has issued a directive to States and Union Territories (UTs) to expedite the issuance of ration cards to approximately 8 crore migrant workers within a timeframe of two months. 

This order comes in response to the Court's observation that its previous directive, issued a year ago, regarding the issuance of ration cards to migrant workers, had not been fully implemented.

The bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah passed this order after noting the delay in providing ration cards to migrant workers, despite their eligibility and registration on the dedicated eShram portal. 

The Court emphasized the importance of ensuring that migrant workers are not deprived of essential benefits such as access to food grains, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Court's directive underscores the responsibility of both the State Governments/UTs and the Central government in facilitating the issuance of ration cards to migrant workers. While the States/UTs are tasked with the immediate issuance of ration cards, the Central government's ongoing process of electronic know your customer (KYC) for cardholders is to continue simultaneously.

Furthermore, the Court mandated that States/UTs file compliance affidavits to report on the progress of the ration card issuance within the stipulated two-month period. These affidavits are also required to be furnished to the counsel representing the Union of India for collation and updating purposes.

The suo motu case initiated by the Supreme Court during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 reflects its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of migrant workers. Subsequent directives, including the April 2023 order urging States to ensure ration card issuance to eligible migrant workers, have been issued to address the persisting challenges faced by this vulnerable segment of the population.

During the recent hearing on March 19, it was highlighted that out of 28.60 crore registrants on the eShram portal, approximately 8 crore had not yet received ration cards, despite previous court orders. In response, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati reiterated that the issuance of ration cards falls within the purview of the States/UTs.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan represented the petitioners in the case, while Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appeared for the respondents.

The matter is slated for further review on July 16, underscoring the Court's ongoing oversight of the implementation of its directives regarding the welfare of migrant workers.

Case: IN RE : PROBLEMS AND MISERIES OF MIGRANT LABOURERS,

Miscellaneous Application No. 94/2022 in SMW(C) No. 6/2020.

Click to read/download order.