SC blasts govt for not aiding affected states

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the Centre for failing to implement MNREGA and Food Security Act and not releasing adequate funds on time to help the people in the drought-hit states.

Hearing a PIL by Swaraj Abhiyan, a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Justice N V Ramana told Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand that the Centre cannot turn blind eye as nine states are suffering from drought. 

The court asked the law officer to file an affidavit by Thursday spelling out plans to release Rs 7,983 crore and implement the MNREGA and Food Security Act. “Law is not being implemented, we don’t know when this fund is going to be released. Is the money earmarked due to pendency of matter here, ” the bench asked.