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Punjab Milkfed suspends 3 officials after Army rejects contaminated milk powder consignments

Internal scrutiny of procurement and testing protocols may follow as the Milkfed seeks to contain reputational fallout.

Controversy resurfaces after SPPU registrar's appointmentMilkfed termed the lapse 'major misconduct' under its service rules.

The Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited (Milkfed) has suspended three officials of the Ludhiana-based Verka Milk Plant (VMP) after the Indian Army rejected two large consignments of milk powder owing to contamination.

The action follows official communication from Army authorities flagging quality concerns in supplies routed through the Ludhiana District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd.

Acting on the reports, Milkfed placed Daljit Singh, General Manager, VMP, Guriqbal Singh, Manager (Quality), VMP, and Paritosh Mishra, Manager (Production), VMP, under suspension with immediate effect, citing a grave lapse in quality control.

The rejected consignments, together amounting to over 124 metric tonnes, were supplied in two batches and subsequently failed quality checks, prompting the Army to return them. Officials said the matter was formally conveyed to the Federation in communications dated February 12 and March 16.

In its order, Milkfed termed the lapse “major misconduct” under its service rules, pointing to negligence in duty and acts prejudicial to the organisation’s interests.

During the suspension period, all three officials will be entitled to a subsistence allowance as per the rules, and their headquarters have been fixed at Chandigarh.

The order was issued by Rahul Gupta, IAS, Managing Director, Milkfed.

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Sources indicated that internal scrutiny of procurement and testing protocols may follow as the Federation seeks to contain reputational fallout.

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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