3,000 kg milk powder for Rajasthan govt schools sold in open market; police file FIR
Jaipur, July 30
An FIR has been registered at Jaipur's Samod police station after nearly 3,000 kg of milk powder meant for government schools was allegedly diverted and sold in the open market. The complaint was filed by the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation, which reported irregularities in the state's milk powder supply scheme, said officials.
The officials said late Wednesday that the milk powder was supplied to government schools under the Pannadhay Bal Gopal Yojana for use in the mid-day meal programme. The alleged black-marketing came to light in the Samod area of Chomu in Jaipur district.
Acting on a tip-off, police raided Chithwadi village, seized a pickup truck loaded with government-supplied milk powder, and detained three suspects.
Taking serious note of the incident, the RCDF lodged an FIR at the Samod police station.
Officials from CMO said that the milk powder meant for distribution to students under the Pannadhay Bal Gopal Yojana for midday meals was allegedly diverted from its intended use.
"Treating the matter with utmost seriousness, the federation filed a police complaint in line with the state government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption and misuse of public resources," they added.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. Authorities said strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, in line with the state government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption and misuse of public resources.
The RCDF has initiated legal action over the alleged illegal diversion of milk powder supplied to government schools under a state welfare scheme. Authorities said strict action will be taken against all those found guilty in accordance with the law following the completion of the investigation.
The development comes soon after Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma chaired a high-level review meeting at the Chief Minister's Office on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that the government would reward honest officials while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
He directed departments to ensure the effective implementation of public welfare schemes and expedite the recruitment process to fill vacant posts so that development works and public services are not affected.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Akhil Arora, and senior officials from the Panchayati Raj, Local Self-Government, Urban Development and Housing, Energy, Public Works, Finance, and Rural Development departments.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Jai Rajasthan! CM Bhajanlal Sharma says zero tolerance, but look at the reality. The milk powder meant for our kids' meals is being sold in the open market. In the name of "Pannadhay Bal Gopal Yojana," these corrupt elements are making a quick buck. The police should catch all those responsible and set an example.
3,000 kg milk powder diverted from government schools? That's enough to feed thousands of children for weeks. In India, we talk about "zero tolerance" but such corruption keeps happening. I appreciate the FIR, but hope the investigation doesn't get buried in files. Our kids deserve better.
Finally a raid, but how long will we just catch the small fish? The people who actually planned this must be higher up. In Rajasthan, these schemes are supposed to uplift the underprivileged, but instead, they are being looted. Time for a thorough audit of all districts.
Good to see the CMO is taking this seriously. However, I think the system needs better monitoring. A simple GPS tracker on delivery trucks and surprise checks could prevent such thefts. Let's hope this leads to stronger implementation, not just press statements.
This is the same old story: public funds being siphoned off from welfare schemes. Our children's education and health suffer because of such black-marketing. The government's zero-tolerance policy sounds good in meetings, but let's see the actual action this time.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.