COVID was different: SC bemoans distribution of free ration

The Supreme Court on Tuesday flagged the difficulties surrounding the distribution of freebies and said COVID times were different when distressed migrant workers were provided the relief.

In a judgment on June 29, 2021, and subsequent orders, the top court passed a slew of directions to the authorities asking them to undertake welfare measures, including giving ration cards to all migrant workers, who were distressed during the COVID-19 pandemic, registered with the "e-Shram" portal.

The portal was a comprehensive national database of unorganised workers launched by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment with the primary aim to facilitate delivery of welfare benefits and social security measures to unorganised sector workers across the country.