New Delhi, April 30 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday posed a pointed question to advocate Prashant Bhushan, asking whether India still carries the tag of a poor country, while hearing a suo motu matter related to the welfare of migrant workers during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The query came from a bench comprising justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh after Bhushan presented data suggesting a rise in poverty levels since 2011.

“Mr. Bhushan, 2011, now we are in 2025. Are we still carrying the tag of being poor? Are we still on the premise that this country hasn't progressed? What is troubling us is that in 2011, 70% of people were poor — now it has increased to perhaps 80%?” the bench remarked during the hearing.

Bhushan clarified that the observation was not based on his personal opinion but was supported by statements from former chief economists who have also pointed to a rise in poverty in recent years.

The discussion unfolded during proceedings in a suo motu petition initiated by the court in 2020 to ensure welfare measures for migrants affected by the nationwide pandemic lockdown.

Appearing for the Central government, additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati submitted that the Centre has complied with the directions issued by the court.

However, Bhushan contended that several shortcomings still persist in the implementation of welfare schemes for migrant workers.

Due to a special bench matter scheduled post-lunch, the Supreme Court deferred further hearing to the next date.

UNI SNG PRS