Activists are, however, campaigning for universal free ration for everyone who needs it, pointing to growing distress for several internal migrants, especially in cities, who are virtually outside the country’s public (grains) distribution network. Several migrant workers were stranded after a 21-day countrywide lockdown was imposed from March 25, and has been extended till May 3, to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). India’s state-held food stocks stood at nearly 75 million tonnes on April 1, while the requirement of emergency stocks, which vary seasonally, is an average 22 million tonnes. “In some states, migrant workers are being forced to live in shelters that have no civic amenities. “Taking care of migrant workers is the responsibility of each state.

Source: Hindustan Times April 16, 2020 17:44 UTC