SC asks Centre to apprise about compliance of 2021 verdict on welfare measures for migrant workers
Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to file an affidavit giving details about compliance of its 2021 judgement and subsequent directions on providing ration cards and other welfare measures to the migrant workers. The top court, in June 29, 2021 judgement and subsequent orders, had 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 'e-Shram' is a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) launched by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment with a primary aim to facilitate delivery of welfare benefits and social security measures to unorganised sector workers across the country.
«The Union of India is directed to file a comprehensive affidavit explaining the steps taken in compliance of the judgement dated June 29, 2021 and other subsequent orders. Such an affidavit will contain all the details of steps taken on any direction issued via main judgement and subsequent orders. This must be done within the period of three weeks,» said a bench comprising justices CT Ravikumar and Sanjay Karol.
The apex court ordered the listing after three weeks the suo motu (on its plea), which was registered during the peak of COVID-19, to ensure welfare of distressed migrant workers, who were forced to flee Delhi and other places during lockdowns.
A sharp exchange of words took place between lawyer Prashant Bhushan and
