Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Bihar Orders Probe as Kishor Alleges Dustbin Procurement Scam
Prashant Kishor says Bihar may have paid far too much for dustbins.
He wants investigators to examine the roles of former ministers Tejashwi Yadav and Mangal Pandey.
Reports cited by the article say some 75-litre dustbins cost ₹15,490 each.
Other reports said 45-litre bins cost about ₹11,000 each.
Kishor compared these prices with much lower market prices.
The opposition has described the alleged wrongdoing as a ₹617-crore scam.
Bihar’s health minister has ordered an investigation.
A committee led by a senior health department official will examine the allegations and submit a report.
Prashant Kishor demanded an investigation into Tejashwi Yadav’s alleged role in the purchases.
Kishor said the alleged procurement began under Tejashwi and continued under Mangal Pandey.
Reports citing an RTI alleged 75-litre bins cost ₹15,490 each.
The opposition alleged a ₹617-crore scam during Mangal Pandey’s tenure.
Health Minister Nishant Kumar ordered a probe into dustbins, drugs and medical equipment purchases.
- Who
- Prashant Kishor raised the allegations; former ministers Tejashwi Yadav and Mangal Pandey were named in connection with the procurement period. Health Minister Nishant Kumar ordered the inquiry.
- What
- An investigation was ordered into alleged overpricing and corruption in the purchase of dustbins, drugs and medical equipment.
- When
- Kishor made the demand on Wednesday; the article also references a September 2, 2026 statement.
- Where
- Bihar, with Kishor speaking in Muzaffarpur.
- Why
- Reports cited alleged purchases of dustbins at prices substantially above reported market rates.
Kishor and Opposition Allegations
Government Inquiry Position
Pricing of dustbins
Kishor and Opposition Allegations
Kishor and opposition claims say dustbins costing roughly ₹500–₹1,500 in the market were purchased for much higher amounts, including ₹15,490 for a 75-litre bin.
Government Inquiry Position
The government has not declared the allegations proven in the article; it has ordered a committee investigation and requested an early report.
Responsibility of former ministers
Kishor and Opposition Allegations
Kishor called for Tejashwi Yadav’s role to be investigated, saying the alleged procurement began during his tenure and continued under Mangal Pandey.
Government Inquiry Position
The article reports an inquiry into the procurement but does not state that either former minister has been found responsible.
Scale of alleged wrongdoing
Kishor and Opposition Allegations
The main opposition party characterized the alleged irregularities during Mangal Pandey’s tenure as a ₹617-crore scam.
Government Inquiry Position
The authorities are treating the matter as allegations requiring investigation rather than as an established scam.
- Inquiry authority
- Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar ordered the probe.
- Committee head
- Health department Special Secretary Thiyagarajan SM will lead the committee.
- Procurement agency
- Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Ltd procured the dustbins.
- Reported 75-litre bin price
- ₹15,490 per bin, according to reports citing an RTI.
- Reported 45-litre bin price
- About ₹11,000 per bin, according to the allegations.
- Alleged scam size
- The main opposition party alleged a ₹617-crore dustbin scam.
- Investigation scope
- The probe will examine allegations involving dustbins, drugs and medical equipment.