Ludhiana, Nov. 3 -- Nine months after e-Shram card holders were brought under the ambit of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, nearly 15,000 unorganised workers in Ludhiana continue to be excluded from the list of beneficiaries eligible for free foodgrains. Despite clear Supreme Court directions to ensure their inclusion, these workers have been left out for the third consecutive quarter from the October to December foodgrain distribution cycle, officials familiar with the matter said.

Reportedly, the Supreme Court, in its order dated October 3, 2023 had directed all states and Union Territories to issue ration cards within two months to nearly 8 crore migrant and unorganised workers registered on the e-Shram portal. The apex co...