Petitioners Highlight Census Delay in Supreme Court Food Ration Case
The Supreme Court of India is currently deliberating a case concerning the number of beneficiaries receiving food rations under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Petitioners have argued that the absence of the 2021 census has prevented many eligible individuals from being included in the program.
According to Union government data presented during the hearing, over 81.35 crore people are currently receiving subsidized food grains under the NFSA. The petitioners, however, contend that the numbers are based on the outdated 2011 census, resulting in an underestimation of beneficiaries.
Impact of Census Delay
The petitioners emphasized that the delayed 2021 census has created a significant gap in identifying and supporting eligible individuals. They argued that a revised census would better reflect India’s growing population, enabling the government to expand food security coverage.
“More people could benefit from the program had the 2021 census been conducted on time,” the petitioners stated. They also pointed out that population estimates indicate an increase since 2011, making it imperative to update the list of beneficiaries.
The government, however, has maintained that it is adhering to the NFSA framework, which bases beneficiary numbers on existing census data. The Attorney General, representing the Union government, assured the court that the government is exploring avenues to address the concerns raised without compromising the program’s functionality.
Supreme Court Observations
The Supreme Court has sought a detailed response from the Union government on how it plans to ensure food security for all eligible citizens amid census delays. The court highlighted the importance of balancing administrative limitations with the fundamental rights of citizens to access food.
Food Security in Focus
India’s food security initiatives have been pivotal in supporting vulnerable populations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana have supplemented the NFSA, ensuring free ration distribution to millions.
The court’s verdict on this matter could have far-reaching implications for food security policy, potentially increasing the scope of beneficiaries and prompting faster action on the delayed census.
