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24 June 2026

West Bengal ration access issue

The issue involves a significant constitutional and governance question regarding the linkage of electoral rolls to the National Food Security Act, which directly impacts the fundamental right to food and the administration of welfare schemes.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The Supreme Court advised petitioners to approach the Calcutta High Court regarding a West Bengal government order dated June 4.
  • The order links the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to eligibility for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Annapurna Yojana.
  • The Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity argues that linking electoral status to food security benefits could lead to the inactivation of ration cards for 35 to 60 lakh people.
  • The PDS operates under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013, which is designed to provide food grains to economically vulnerable households.
  • The Annapurna Yojana provides financial assistance to economically vulnerable women.
  • Petitioners argue that using SIR-based classifications for welfare eligibility excludes beneficiaries without providing an opportunity to be heard, potentially violating the welfare character of the State.
  • The Supreme Court noted that a primary determination is required to assess whether the grievance stems from the SIR exercise or other policy reasons.

Questions

  1. Examine the constitutional and legal implications of linking welfare scheme eligibility, such as the Public Distribution System, with electoral verification exercises like the Special Intensive Revision. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
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  2. The National Food Security Act, 2013, aims to provide food security to the most vulnerable sections of society. Discuss the challenges in ensuring universal access to these benefits when administrative processes, such as electoral roll revisions, are integrated into welfare delivery mechanisms. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India operates within the framework of which of the following legislations?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-24/west-bengal-ration-access-issue