One nation, one ration card violation of Article 371F: SPCC

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has taken strong exception to Sikkim joining the Centre government’s ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ scheme.
Terming the inclusion of Sikkim as a violation of the State’s special status under Article 371F of the Constitution, SPCC president Bharat Basnett today said by joining the scheme the SKM government has given away the local protection provided by the special Constitutional provisions. 
“Sikkim is taking pride in being one of the first States to adopt the One Nation, One Ration Card rule. But the current SKM government either doesn't realise or knowingly has accepted the scheme in grave violation of Article 371F,” said Basnett during a news conference here today.
Under the ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ initiative, eligible beneficiaries would be able to avail their entitled foodgrains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from any Fair Price Shop in the country using the same ration card.
The State Congress president further criticised the BJP government at the Centre for trying to implement its one nation, one rule agenda in different ways even as Union Home minister Amit Shah asserted that no harm and violation will come upon Article 371F and Sikkim's unique identity and laws.
Accusing the SKM government of being insensitive to the concerns, Basnett said the SKM government is power hungry and not local centric in its policies and approach. “Both the Central government and the SKM government are at fault, they are in the game of doing politics for their benefit and not taking concern for the State and its people. BJP government in the Centre has once again found its way at implementing one nation, one rule and SKM government has complied to the same,” he expressed.