Archive · 28 Oct 2025
Chandigarh Audit Flags Concerns in Uniform Procurement by Welfare Dept
The government's audit team checked how the Social Welfare Department in Chandigarh bought uniforms for young kids in Anganwadi centers.
They found that the department purchased uniforms from the Model Burail Jail without following standard rules.
These rules require purchases to go through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to ensure fairness and potentially save money.
This means the department might have overpaid or got lower-quality uniforms.
The audit report raised worries about how transparent the process was and whether money was wasted.
The department stated that they followed rules, but will use GeM in the future.
An activist has also requested monitoring of this.
An audit report reviewed uniform purchases for Chandigarh Anganwadi centers.
Uniforms were purchased from Model Burail Jail instead of the GeM portal.
The purchases, totaling Rs 85.8 lakh, lacked a tender process.
This procurement method raises concerns about transparency and potential financial losses.
The Social Welfare Department stated they followed the rules, and will use GeM in the future.
- Who
- The Office of Principal Director of Audit, Social Welfare Department, and R K Garg.
- What
- An audit report flagged concerns regarding the procurement of uniforms for Anganwadi centers in Chandigarh.
- When
- The audit was conducted between July 4 to July 22.
- Where
- Chandigarh.
- Why
- Concerns were raised regarding transparency, accountability, potential financial losses, and non-compliance with procurement guidelines.
- Department Involved
- Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Department, Chandigarh
- Items Procured
- Uniforms for Anganwadi center children (3-6 years old)
- Supplier
- Model Burail Jail, Chandigarh
- Total Purchase Amount
- Rs 85,80,432
- Procurement Method
- Without tenders, not through GeM
- Audit Period
- 2023-24 to 2024-25