Not Schemes But Basic Security: What the SC Judgment on Migrant Workers Overlooks Migrant workers do not need doles, they need a regulated work environment and basic security. Migrant workers walking in New Delhi with their belongings and children. Photo: PTI Rights01/Jul/2021 The Supreme Court has delivered its judgment on what has come to be known as the ‘migrant labourer’ case. The apex court took suo motu cognisance of the plight of the migrant workers at the height of the exodus last year and continued hearing the case through the second wave. The case expectedly has drawn attention to the situation of migrant workers. The top court passed an 80-page order on June 28, along seven points. Five of these points have to do with ensuring food security for migrant workers. The order seeks to strengthen food security by giving directions to the Union and state governments to be more liberal, provide food to non-ration cardholders, increase allocation of subsidised food, allow a migrant to access dry ration from anywhere under National Food Security Act in accordance with the ‘one nation one ration card’ scheme.