Contradiction Between High Per Capita Income and High BPL Population: Supreme Court

Contradiction Between High Per Capita Income and High BPL Population: Supreme Court

Sub : Eco

Sec : National Income

Context:

• The Supreme Court questioned the contradiction in states claiming high per capita income while having around 70% of their population Below Poverty Line (BPL).
• The court was hearing petitions seeking ration cards for migrant workers to ensure food security.

Concern Over Distribution of Subsidised Food Grains

• The court expressed doubts about whether subsidised ration distribution actually reaches the poor.
• Justice Surya Kant observed that governments use development claims for political mileage, yet poverty remains high.

Growing Inequality in the Country

• Advocates Prashant Bhushan and Cheryl D’Souza, representing activists, highlighted rising inequality.
• A small group of people possess wealth in lakhs of crores, while a vast majority survive on ₹30-40 per day.

Political Considerations in Ration Card Issuance

• The court questioned whether ration card distribution was influenced by political motives.
• Justice Kant remarked that executive inefficiency and corruption prevent benefits from reaching the poor.

Fundamental Right to Food Security

• The Supreme Court asserted that access to food is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The poor must have the right to at least two square meals a day.

Government’s Obligation Under the National Food Security Act

• Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati stated that:
  • The National Food Security Act (NFSA) covers 35% of the population.
  • Additional provisions exist for 11 crore people under the Anganwadi scheme.
  • Another 22 crore people receive coverage under different programs.

Impact of COVID-19 on Employment and Food Security

• Bhushan argued that the pandemic worsened unemployment, increasing dependence on food security.
• He emphasized the need for states to distribute ration cards to migrants so that the Centre can release ration.
• Delays in food distribution could amount to a violation of Article 21 and discrimination.

Delay in Implementation of Supreme Court’s Previous Orders

• The Supreme Court had ordered in April 2023 that ration cards be issued to 8 crore migrant workers registered on the e-Shram portal.
• The Centre reported:
  • 6 crore total registrants on the e-Shram portal.
  • 63 crore were linked with ration card data.
• Bhushan contended that over 10 crore workers might still be excluded due to outdated Census 2011 data.

Welfare State’s Responsibility

• The court stressed that a welfare state must ensure all migrant workers are included in ration distribution.
• It emphasized the urgency of implementing food security measures for all eligible individuals.