CBI probe sought in midday meal contracts

New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) vice-chairperson Karan Singh Tanwar has urged the Centre to order a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities committed in the contract for supplying midday meals to NDMC schools. Mr Tanwar, a former BJP MLA, has already raised the issue during a recent meeting of the Council.

At the meeting, Mr Tanwar and another Council member appointed by the BJP government, B.S. Bhati, had clashed over the contract.

“It’s not about the quality of the food or the kitchens. It’s about the process. I have asked for a CBI investigation into the fact that only two contractors are given work order without a tender being floated,” said Mr Tanwar. The two contractors are getting the contracts for supply of the midday meals to NDMC schools for the last 18 years, he added.

As per the existing guidelines, contract should be given only after inviting a global tender, said Mr Tanwar.

“Since the mid-day meal scheme is directly related to the growth and mental development of the students, it must be healthy and nutritious. At present the quality of food served in NDMC schools is not up to the mark,” Mr Tanwar added.

“Contract of midday meal for NDMC schools given to private firms was one of the scams which I have been raising since I joined the council. I raised this issue saying that before giving contract the department concerned should invite a tender in which a number of firms that have expertise in the field will apply. The firm that has lowest rate should be given the contract,” Mr Tanwar said.