Supreme Court’s Directions for Welfare of Migrant Workers

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has passed a number of directions in connection with the problems faced by the migrant labourers and workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

What was the issue?

• A petition was filed in the Supreme Court in connection with the problems faced by migrant workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The petitioners asked the court to issue directions. It is to ensure that migrant workers are not deprived of ration and food security. Also, they should be able to travel back to their homes at nominal cost amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are the directions issued by the Supreme Court?

1. Firstly, the Supreme Court has asked the Central Government to complete the process of the National Database for Unorganised Workers(NDUW).
   • The database would make it easier for the government to identify and provide essentials; such as food and dry rations to stranded migrant labourers and workers.
2. Secondly, the court directed states to provide migrant workers with dry ration under the Atma Nirbhar Scheme or any other suitable scheme.
3. Thirdly, the court directed the states and Union territories to open sufficient community kitchens. It is to provide cooked food for the migrant workers.
4. Fourthly, the court asked the Central government to clarify what steps it had taken under the Code of Social Security of 2020. The code provides for the registration of unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers.
5. Lastly, the Court underlined the need for a suitable mechanism. It is to monitor and supervise whether the benefits of the welfare schemes are reaching the intended beneficiaries.

Source: The Hindu