Fri, Aug 13 06:00 AM
The Supreme Court on Thursday suggested that the government distribute foodstock free to the poor instead of letting it rot in godowns. "Don't allow foodgrains to be wasted, give it away to the hungry population," the court suggested in a written order to the government.
The court's observations came in light of an affidavit filed on Thursday by the Centre in response to the Bench's remarks at the last hearing that "where admittedly people are starving, it is a crime to waste even a single grain".
The court also asked if the government could keep PDS shops open the entire month to facilitate the poor to buy food in installments. "They may not have the money to buy 35 kg rice at once. Keeping the shops open all 30 days will help them afford their monthly quota as per their needs," the court proposed to Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran, appearing for the Centre.
The court said distribution should be in proportion to the number of family members. "A PDS cardholder gets 35 kg of rice if there is one member in his family or 10. Why not consider distribution as per numbers?" the Bench asked.