One Nation One Ration Card

The most poignant statement that I have read in recent times is, ‘Corona-virus did not break our system, it just exposed a broken system’. In times of crisis, the most vulnerable and ignored people in society take the biggest hit.  We are seeing this play out around us through the lock-down period.  Companies closed, many refused or could not pay salaries, work dried out and so did money. The result was that thousands of people, both local and guest workers, were hungry and many on the verge of homelessness. The state governments stepped in to help the local population with free ration, however, the guest workers were left in a lurch. The resultant distress, hopelessness, and acute hunger have resulted in the largest unplanned and often-on-foot migration in post-independence India.   

A good solution is in the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme that will ensure basic benefits and food security for all citizens of India, irrespective of where they are staying in the country. Needless to say that there are logistical, financial, and political challenges associated with this scheme. However, it is not impossible. The current situation has pushed many state governments to collaborate, and the test roll out has been initiated in 12 states. The national platform for the scheme is also possible and that has been proved by the GST roll-out. Now it is important to keep the political focus and impetus to push for the program implementation, to protect the people who need it the most.   

Author : Deepa Jayaram

Opinion on One Nation One Ration Card