3 drought-hit states get extra foodgrains after Supreme Court directive

New Delhi: Drought-hit Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have been provided extra food grains for distribution to even non-ration card holders as directed by the Supreme Court, the Centre on Saturday said and asked others to place their requirement if any.

In a judgement pronounced last week in the petition filed by NGO Swaraj Abhiyan, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to cover all people under national food security system, appoint state food commissioners and district grievance redressal officer in drought-hit states.

"The Supreme Court has said that all people should be covered under food security system of PDS in drought-affected states. It is saying to cover the rest of the population. You have to think about it," Food Secretary Vrinda Sarup said addressing the state food ministers meet on price rise in Delhi.

Three drought-hit states -- Maharasthra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh -- have asked additional allocation of foodgrains for this purpose, she said. "We have given it to them. Other states may like to look at this issue," she added.

The Secretary further said that the apex court has also directed appointment of state food commissioners for effective implementation of the food law. "Some states have done it. The SC will expect that drought-hit states provide affidavit in this regard in the next hearing in August," she said.

She also asked the drought-hit states to appoint district grievance redressal officer as per the National Food Security Act. "Some of you have already done this. Please go and look at it again as they (SC) said this should be as per the Act."

As many as 12 states have declared drought this year due to poor monsoon for the second consecutive year.