Wed Apr 30 17:11:40 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Questions Sustainability of Free Ration Distribution in India
**NEW DELHI, April 30, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India questioned the long-term viability of states distributing free food grains, highlighting the financial burden on taxpayers and the need to prioritize other crucial development initiatives. The court’s comments came during a hearing on a suo motu case concerning food security, particularly for migrant workers.
Justice Surya Kant observed that while it is relatively easy for states to obtain food grains from the central government and distribute them freely to garner political support, the ultimate cost falls on taxpayers. He questioned whether India, in 2025, should still be grappling with the same poverty levels as in 2011, the year of the last census. The court emphasized that generating employment and developing infrastructure are equally, if not more, important than solely focusing on free rations.
The case, initially based on petitions advocating for food security and welfare measures for migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, brought to light concerns about the outdated data used in the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that the NFSA’s beneficiary numbers are based on the 2011 Census and therefore do not reflect the current population and poverty levels. While the Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati countered that the NFSA currently covers 81.35 crore beneficiaries, the court’s concerns remain focused on the broader implications of relying on free rations as a primary solution to food insecurity. The Supreme Court indicated that a sustainable solution lies in addressing the root causes of poverty through job creation and infrastructure development.
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