QUESTIONS OVER 15-YEAR ANGANWADI NUTRITION TRENDER

QUESTIONS OVER 15-YEAR ANGANWADI NUTRITION TRENDER

2-SEP-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------Serious questions have been raised regarding the terms of the 15-year tender issued for the supply of supplementary nutrition to Anganwadi centers. Complainants have written to the Chief Secretary of the Bihar government, demanding an independent, high-level inquiry into the entire tendering process.

The complaint alleges that several conditions within the tender align unusually well with the pre-existing qualifications of specific companies. Objections have been raised against criteria such as assigning 80% weightage to technical evaluation, requirements for specific experience over the last five years, a minimum average annual turnover of ₹100 crore, an annual supply capacity of 15,000 metric tonnes, and experience in supplying across multiple states.

The complainants argue that the fairness and necessity of these conditions require independent scrutiny. The letter demands an investigation into the entire process, from the drafting of the tender to its publication. It also calls for a probe into the remarks made by concerned officials, minutes of meetings, and any communication held with potential bidders.

The complaint notes that the total financial liability of the proposed 15-year arrangement could reach approximately ₹20,250 crore. Given the stakes involving public funds and the interests of Anganwadi beneficiaries, the complainants assert that it is essential to halt further proceedings on the tender and conduct an impartial investigation.

The complainants have demanded that if the inquiry confirms the tender conditions were framed to benefit a specific firm, the current tender should be cancelled. They have further requested that a new tender be issued through an independent committee in a transparent, competitive, and fair manner.