Mamta says no problem with one card one nation scheme

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday that her government doesn't have any problem with Centre's 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme and that its implementation is under process. Her remarks came days after the Supreme Court asked the West Bengal government to implement the scheme “immediately" to help beneficiaries. The scheme allows eligible beneficiaries to get food grain under the National Food Security Act from fair price shops across India without securing a new ration card. The scheme is currently functional in 32 states and Union territories.

During a hearing on Friday on an application filed by activists, the Apex Court asked West Bengal government to implement it so that beneficiaries, especially migrant workers, can get subsidised food. While the counsel for the Bengal government flagged the issue of seeding ration cards with Aadhaar, the top court was emphatic that “no excuse will be considered” and that West Bengal must make the scheme functional. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said that apart from Bengal, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Assam have also not implemented the 'one nation, one ration card (ONORC) scheme. The counsel for Delhi said the state government has implemented the scheme.

Meanwhile , the state government has extended the Covid restrictions in the state till July 1. However, various relaxations to the previous guidelines were announced in order to facilitate the resumption of economic activities in the state. All government offices will function with 25% strength. Private and corporate offices can remain open from 10am to 4pm with not more than 25% strength,the govt said. Shops within shopping malls and shopping complexes will be allowed to open between 11am and 6pm with 50% work force, it said.