Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 10 2010:
Strong suspicions have been raised whether the ruling issued by the Supreme Court is being breached while purchasing powdered milk meant for children learning in Anganwadi centres under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) being implemented by Social Welfare Department.
According to a ruling issued by the country's apex court in October 2004 about purchase of ready-to-eat food for ICDS, meals fed to children in Anganwadi centres should be based on ingredients manufactured and prepared locally.
It also clearly laid down that food materials should not be procured through contractors or suppliers.
But in contradiction to the Supreme Court ruling, the Social Welfare Department sanctioned necessary money for purchasing of 200 metric tonnes of infant milk (Amulspray) from the Gujarat Cooperative Marketing Federation last month, informed a source.
The procurement would be from the federation's Guwahati unit.
Moreover, the department has sanctioned Rs 8,90,000 as transportation charge for bringing the milk consignment up to its godown located at Khuman Lampak.
Notably, the State Government earlier submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court about the allegation that ingredients for the ready-to-eat food were purchased from firms based outside the State.