Tamil Nadu's opposition DMK criticized the Center's "One country one ration card" proposal on Sunday, saying it was against federalism. The BJP-led central government has given a one-year deadline to the states and union territories to start a 'one nation, one ration card' system by June 30, 2020. Under this, beneficiaries can purchase subsidized food grains from ration shops in any part of the country.
DMK President M K Stalin said in a statement: 'Public distribution is the fundamental right of the state government. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution did not consider the consequences that would be on the violation of such rights.'
Urging the Center to abandon this plan, he said, 'It should be understood that the Center is trying to establish its dominance by implementing such an initiative.' He alleged that the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is doing such things for the purpose of destroying federalism.
In another statement, AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran said if a substantial amount of foodgrain has to be allocated to migrants, the locals would have to undergo hardship.
"Tamil Nadu is already burdened financially by complying with the Food Security Act. The public distribution system in the state will completely collapse because of the one-nation-one-ration scheme," he claimed.