Union MoS flags ‘irregularities’ in midday meal scheme, Bengal minister hits back

“There are several irregularities in the implementation of the scheme in the state. This was found during the inspection carried out by central teams which had come here following allegations of irregularities. Despite the state government withdrawing the general consent, there would not be any problem in having a CBI probe. The Education Ministry has recommended a CBI probe into the matter as they had no other option,” said Sarkar.

Reacting to the development, state Education Minister Bratya Basu wrote on social media: “The Leader of Opposition has just tweeted that a CBI enquiry has been ordered into the PM POSHAN scheme. I guess that no one has forgotten the hurried submission of the concerned report by the 13th JRM, which was not even signed by the lone representative of the State Government, with a motive to stir up some turbid waters. Regarding a loss of Rs 100 crore, it has since been clarified on the basis of that very report that far from suffering a loss of Rs 100 crore, the state government has actually saved Rs 18.8 crore! However, we welcome any inquiry into any scheme.”