The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to issue ration cards to eligible families in Nagaon district under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
The decision by a bench of Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice N. Unni Krishnan Nair came after petitioner Harunal Rashid filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department to conduct a survey in Nagaon District to identify poor households without ration cards.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the court had ordered the District Legal Services Authority, Nagaon, to conduct a survey, which identified 1,600 families in need of immediate assistance.
Now, the court has outlined the process for eligible families to receive ration cards.
Eligible persons must apply for ration cards under NFSA guidelines, rather than through local Fair Price Shops.
The Director of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Assam, and Nagaon’s Deputy Commissioner will verify these applications, and eligible families will receive ration cards after verification.
The National Food Security Act, 2013, aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population .
The Act converts existing food security programs into legal entitlements, including the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme, and the Public Distribution System.
Under the Act, beneficiaries are entitled to 5 kg of cereals per person per month at subsidized prices.
The Assam government’s implementation of the court’s directive will ensure that eligible families in Nagaon district receive the benefits they are entitled to under the NFSA.
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