Social organisations of Meghalaya demand judicial probe into alleged ICDS scam
In a statement issued here, TUR said that the alleged scams have blighted the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) of the ICDS, meant to feed children, young girls and pregnant and lactating mothers.
By Daiaphira Kharsati
SHILLONG:
The Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) and Workers Power of Meghalaya have written to the Chief Minister’s Office and Social Welfare Department on the alleged long-running Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scam and requested a judicial probe into the matter.
In a statement issued here, TUR said that the alleged scams have blighted the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) of the ICDS, meant to feed children, young girls and pregnant and lactating mothers.
They claimed that the seizure of 1,00,000 bags of rice meant for the ICDS programme from Continental Milkose Limited had lifted the lid off the illegal and corrupt practices that have been allowed to exist in the implementation of the SNP of ICDS.
The Director of the Social Welfare Department had earlier refuted the allegations and stated that the department had issued lifting orders only for 1604 metric tons, which is equivalent to 33,000 bags of rice.
The organisations also pointed out that the investigation announced by the Chief Minister on the matter has limited scope, and demanded a judicial inquiry on the same.
Further, the organisations have also demanded the immediate termination of the contract to Continental Milkose Limited and withdrawal of orders forcing Self Help Groups (SHGs) to procure goods from Seshu Nutrition.
They have also called for constituting an independent committee, consisting of community leaders, civil societies, nutrition scientists, agriculture scientists, women’s rights activists, to suggest models for local manufacture, procurement and supply of Take-Home-Rations (THR) and other food items for cooking as well as local menu design.
Through the letter, the organisations also suggested immediate setting up of at least three pilot projects (in urban and rural settings of Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills) where the ICDS centres focus on local procurements of locally available food items, collaborating with local women’s groups, youth groups and community.
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