Will Maha govt procure food grains for migrants, poor? HC

Bombay High Court has directed Maharashtra government to take a decision on wher it would procure ditional food grains from Food Corporation of India for supplying to migrant workers and or needy persons who do t have ration cards.

Justice S C Gupte gave directive last Friday while hearing a petition filed by Pune resident Vanita Chavan, raising concerns over supply of food grains to poor and needy persons during coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

In her plea, Chavan claimed re has t been proper distribution of food grains through ration shops in state.

She sought a direction to government to make available food grains to persons who do t have ration cards, like migrant workers and wandering tribes.

state government told court on Friday that it has so far t taken a decision on directive issued by Centre allowing all states and Union Territories to increase ir requirement of food grains under Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSC) for distribution outside targeted public distribution system.

court ted that Centre has vised all state governments and Union Territories to take ditional quantity of food grains from Food Corporation of India (FCI) under OMSC, to fulfil ir requirement for those persons who are t covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA).

"It is possible for state to act under this visory and take ditional food grains from FCI for needs of wandering tribes and or people stranded within state, who do t hold ration cards and who come under n- NFSA categories," Justice Gupte said.

"Considering peculiar situation prevalent in state as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown introduced by state due to it, it is imperative for state to take a decision on this issue, court said.

bench posted matter for furr hearing on May 12, when government will have to file an affidavit stating its decision.