Supreme Court Demands Compliance on Migrant Workers' Welfare

The Supreme Court has ordered the Centre to file an affidavit detailing compliance with its 2021 judgement on providing welfare measures, including ration cards, to migrant workers. The court criticized the government's slow efforts, particularly concerning the National Database for Unorganised Workers (NDUW), and set a three-week deadline for the affidavit.

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to file an affidavit detailing actions taken to comply with its 2021 ruling and subsequent directives regarding welfare measures for migrant workers.

The 2021 judgement mandated issuing ration cards and extending welfare initiatives to migrant workers, who were severely distressed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court's bench, comprising justices CT Ravikumar and Sanjay Karol, emphasized the need for timely compliance.

The Supreme Court criticized the government for its slow progress, particularly in creating the National Database for Unorganised Workers (NDUW). A sharp exchange occurred between advocate Prashant Bhushan and Justice Karol over the continuation of the case, highlighting ongoing concerns about the welfare of migrant workers.

(With inputs from agencies.)