Even though it may appear as an overt criticism to many, it remains a fact that the executive in the country has failed to deliver its duties on countless number of occasions and the role of ‘mute spectator’ to the trials and tribulations of the citizens has led to the intervention of the judiciary, either suo motu or on the basis of pleas. In one more of such instances, the Supreme Court on Tuesday while hearing a batch of petitions which sought relief for the unorganised sector workers and migrant labourers in the wake of Covid pandemic, observed that the ruling Central government has been apathetic and lackadaisical towards the plight of these worst sufferers, which is “unpardonable”. In a significant ruling, the apex court has given the Centre as well as all states July 31 as the last and final date for registration of these workers and also for implementation of the much-hyped One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme. It’s most unfortunate that the responsibilities which are to be shouldered by the executive i.e. government(s) in power have been evaded and reminders have to be issued by the highest platform of the judiciary.

In yet another loss of face, the Centre was reminded that till date it has not set up the National Database for Unorganised Workers (NDUW), the relevant storehouse of data for migrant and unorganised workers who throughout the year need rations and related benefits, although the directives were issued way back in August 2018. It can be inferred without any hesitation that if the measure was implemented and the portal containing such data was in place, the hardships would have been much lesser. In the broader context, the ruling is also an endorsement of the fact that the National Food Security Act has not been correctly implemented and a significant portion of true beneficiaries have been left out. Highlighting the need to work in tandem, the apex court also directed the states, UTs and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Centre to complete the registration process of migrant workers and unorganised labourers. In clear-cut words, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution was directed to allocate and distribute food grains according to the demand from states for additional dry rations and the scheme should remain in place till the pandemic persists. The judiciary has done its part in the best-possible manner and it’s apparent that sans this intervention, the lethargy and non-action would have continued.

For the bulk of the overall labour force of the country numbering millions, whose contributions to the economy have hardly seen an emphatic recognition, it was a significant day. However, the executive’s ailment of evading responsibilities seems to be a nagging one.