Centre Permits Nutritional Aid for Homeless TB Patients Without Aadhaar, Delhi HC Demands Accountability
In a significant move, the central government has authorized nutritional support for homeless and destitute tuberculosis (TB) patients who do not possess Aadhaar cards or bank accounts. This decision comes as the Delhi High Court has issued notices to authorities, seeking an explanation for delays in reaching out to these vulnerable groups.
Court Intervention and Government Response
The Central TB Division of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an order on April 8, clarifying that patients should not be denied benefits under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana solely due to missing KYC documents. On the same day, the Delhi High Court, hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), directed the Union and Delhi governments to detail actions taken on earlier decisions to provide alternative nutritional support. The court has requested replies within three weeks and scheduled the next hearing for July 17.
The PIL highlighted that numerous homeless TB patients were being excluded from the scheme, which offers Rs 1,000 per month for nutrition, because they lacked Aadhaar cards, bank accounts, or mobile numbers. In response, the government's order now allows for in-kind assistance, such as cooked meals and food rations, to ensure continuity of treatment for these individuals.
Implementation Delays and Revised Approach
Decisions to provide alternative support, including cooked food, dry rations, and NGO-led delivery, were initially made during a meeting of Delhi's TB programme on January 19, with minutes issued on February 23. However, these measures remained unimplemented, prompting the court to seek accountability. The revised approach enables authorities in Delhi to collaborate with NGOs, shelter homes, and community organizations to assist patients living on pavements or in night shelters—a group largely excluded from the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The PIL cited at least 35 homeless TB patients who had repeatedly approached authorities but failed to receive any support despite being on treatment and eligible under the scheme. Ashok Agarwal, petitioner and counsel for Social Jurist, a civil rights group, emphasized that without proper nutrition, TB patients face higher risks of relapse, drug resistance, and death. He described the situation as "not just a welfare issue but a public health emergency" and criticized the government for unjustifiable delays.
Broader Implications and Health Concerns
The petition also noted that the Nikshay Poshan Yojana itself permits both cash transfers and in-kind support, raising questions about why homeless patients were initially excluded. Government data referenced in the petition indicates that only around 70% of notified TB patients receive DBT benefits, revealing a significant gap in implementation.
India continues to bear a heavy TB burden, with over 26 lakh cases reported annually, making uninterrupted nutritional support critical for successful treatment outcomes. The petition argued that excluding homeless patients from the scheme violates their constitutional right to life and health.
Under the new guidelines, patients without Aadhaar or bank access will receive food or ration support instead of cash, while others will continue to avail themselves of DBT. The Delhi government has been tasked with ensuring proper delivery and monitoring of these services to address the urgent needs of this marginalized population.
