JAIPUR: A massive scam of over Rs 2,000 crore during the COVID-19 pandemic has been unearthed in Rajasthan’s state-run Mid-Day Meal Scheme. The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against 21 accused, including officials of CONFED, representatives of private firms, and other associated individuals, following complaints of large-scale irregularities and corruption.
According to the ACB, during the pandemic -- when schools across the state remained closed -- the state government decided to distribute combo food kits containing pulses, edible oil, spices, and other essential items to students under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. The procurement and supply of these kits were routed through CONFED, which claimed that the materials met FSSAI and Agmark standards and were delivered to schools through a door-to-door distribution system.
An investigation, however, has now revealed that supplies were shown only on paper, despite schools being shut, resulting in massive misappropriation of public funds. In several cases, there was no physical delivery of food kits, even though payments were cleared.
The probe has further found that firms awarded tenders illegally sub-contracted the work to other entities, in violation of procurement norms. This led to the emergence of an organised network of fake suppliers and transporters, allegedly created to siphon off government money.
Investigators believe that such large-scale manipulation could not have been carried out without the involvement of senior officials. While the FIR currently names 21 accused, sources say the role of high-ranking officers and influential individuals is also under scrutiny.
Govind Gupta, Director General of ACB, said, “Officials associated with the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and CONFED awarded tenders to their favoured firms. They caused a loss of nearly Rs 2,000 crore to the government exchequer without supplying the goods.”
In this shocking case, several CONFED officials -including the Assistant Accounts Officer, Manager, Assistant Manager, Warehouse Keeper, and Supervisor - have been named as accused. Officials of Kendriya Bhandar, including Regional and Deputy Managers, are also among those booked. Additionally, owners of private firms such as Tirupati Suppliers, Jagrut Enterprises, MT Enterprises, and Sai Trading have been named in the FIR.
The ACB has stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway about all aspects of the case, including the role of the accused, financial transactions, alleged forgery of documents, and misuse of government funds. Examination of records and other investigative actions are ongoing, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.