As state after state announces lockdown, no central announcement is forthcoming regarding extra Public Distribution System (PDS) entitlements of migrant workers. Over 230 million Indians have fallen below the poverty line in the last year while the Food Corporation of India continues to hoard over three times the buffer norms. Yet, essential supplies are being denied to working people.
Both the BJP-led Union government as well as state governments are responsible for this crisis. While states like Tamil Nadu and Kerela have promised ration to migrant workers, few have received benefits yet and most major states with in-migration remain mum. The central government must act now to stop this crisis from taking disastrous proportion in the coming days.
MWSN launches a campaign demanding to universalise PDS in this hour of crisis. Workers from various parts of Delhi are demanding 'Pravasi mazdooron ko ration do!' Regardless of whether one has a local ration card, governments must work together to ensure no toiling person goes hungry as we face a historic job loss crisis.
We appeal to all progressive voices to come together and demand #RationForMigrantWorkers!