Congress Raises Concerns Over Utensil Procurement for Anganwadis in MP, Investigation Initiated
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Synopsis
The Congress party has accused the Mohan Yadav government of irregularities in utensil procurement for Anganwadi centres, leading to an inquiry. Allegations include inflated costs for jugs and spoons, prompting demands for accountability and transparency in the procurement process.
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of procurement irregularities in MP.
- Congress demands investigation into utensil purchases.
- Exorbitant prices for children's utensils questioned.
- Inquiry ordered by Women and Child Welfare Minister.
- Chief Minister instructed district administration to clarify.
Bhopal, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Congress party has directed its criticism towards the Mohan Yadav administration on Wednesday, citing alleged discrepancies in the procurement of utensils for Anganwadi centres in Madhya Pradesh.
Congress MLA and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Hemant Katare, accused the Women and Child Development Department of spending Rs 5 crore for the acquisition of utensils intended for 1,500 Anganwadi centres.
Referencing media reports regarding this purported scam, Katare asserted that 3,100 jugs, 6,200 serving spoons (ladles), and 46,500 spoons were procured for the sum of Rs 5 crore, and he has called for an investigation into the matter.
"This indicates that a single jug cost Rs 1,250 and each spoon was acquired for Rs 810. Given that this involves children, it demands a thorough investigation," Katare stated.
It is important to note that the utensils were acquired through a tender process, with the work order assigned to the Singrauli-based vendor,'Jai Mata Di'.
The utensils, purchased under the oversight of the Singrauli district administration, encompass jugs, spoons, and ladles. Reports suggest that the utensils lack branding from any authorized manufacturers. Nevertheless, the prices are considered exorbitant.
Aabbas Hafeez, vice-president of the MP Congress media cell, informed IANS, "A new scandal emerges daily under the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh."
Government sources indicated that the issue has been brought to the attention of Chief Minister Yadav, who subsequently requested the Singrauli district administration to provide clarification.
In response to the issue, Nirmala Bhuria, the state’s Women and Child Welfare Minister, stated that the department had recently informed her about the issue, and an inquiry has been initiated.
"This situation has unfolded at the district level, and an investigation has been ordered. Further actions will depend on the findings of the report," Bhuria communicated to IANS on Wednesday.
