The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Rajasthan has launched a major investigation into alleged large-scale irregularities in the procurement of food supplies under the Midday Meal Scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials claim that financial losses to the state may run close to ₹2,000 crore, stemming from inflated billing, forged documents, and manipulation of emergency welfare tenders.

The case has raised serious concerns about accountability and oversight in welfare programmes implemented during the pandemic, when normal checks were relaxed to ensure rapid delivery of essential support.

Pandemic Welfare Scheme Comes Under Scanner

During prolonged school closures in the pandemic, the Rajasthan government introduced a system of distributing “combo food kits” to ensure continued nutritional support for students. These kits—containing items such as pulses, edible oil, and spices—were to be supplied through the Rajasthan State Cooperative Consumer Federation (CONFED) and delivered directly to schools.

According to the ACB, the supplies were required to comply with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms and Agmark quality standards. However, investigators allege that the procurement and distribution mechanism was compromised, leading to large-scale misuse of public funds.

FIR Names Officials and Private Firms

Following a preliminary inquiry based on complaints, the ACB registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 21 individuals and entities. Those named include officials linked to CONFED, personnel associated with Kendriya Bhandar, and owners of several private supplier firms.

The investigation suggests that the irregularities occurred at multiple levels, from tender allocation to billing and payment approvals.

Inflated and Fake Bills Alleged

A central allegation in the case is that payments were released against exaggerated or completely fictitious bills, without corresponding procurement or delivery of food items. The ACB claims that forged invoices and delivery records were used to justify fund releases, resulting in substantial losses to the state treasury.

Private firms named in the FIR include Tirupati Suppliers, Jagrat Enterprises, M.T. Enterprises, and Sai Trading. Investigators allege that these firms, acting in collusion with public officials, billed the government for supplies that were either partially delivered or never delivered at all.

The offences under investigation include cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and misappropriation of government funds. Officials caution that the estimated ₹2,000 crore loss may change as the probe advances and financial records are examined in detail.

Alleged Tender Manipulation and Favoured Contractors

The ACB is also examining claims that tender conditions were deliberately altered to exclude eligible bidders and favour select companies. According to investigators, these changes allowed a small group of firms to secure contracts repeatedly and gain undue financial benefits.

Officials allege that some contractors illegally sublet the work, creating a complex network of shell suppliers and transporters. This structure, the ACB says, made it difficult to track the movement of goods and verify whether food supplies ever reached schools or beneficiaries.

Investigation Ongoing, More Action Likely

The Anti-Corruption Bureau has stated that it is analysing procurement files, banking transactions, invoices, and delivery records to establish individual roles and financial trails. Officials have indicated that the scope of the investigation may expand as more evidence comes to light.

The ACB has reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against all those found responsible, emphasizing that misuse of welfare schemes—especially during public emergencies—will not be tolerated