3 hrs ago
CPI Seeks Probe, Cancellation of Bal Sanjeevani Tenders
The Bal Sanjeevani schemes provide food kits to mothers and children.
The kits are distributed through Anganwadi centres.
CPI leader Gujjula Eswariah says the contracts may not have been awarded fairly.
He says women’s self-help groups and smaller local businesses were not given enough opportunity.
He also says the prices of the kits have increased.
According to his estimate, this could cost the government about Rs 29.22 crore more.
He wants an independent investigation and a financial audit.
He also wants the contracts cancelled and new tenders held district by district.
CPI state secretary Gujjula Eswariah urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to order an independent inquiry into Bal Sanjeevani tenders.
The schemes provide nutrition kits to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children through Anganwadi centres.
Eswariah alleged the tender process restricted competition and excluded women’s self-help groups and local units.
He claimed revised kit prices could add about Rs 29.22 crore to the public exchequer.
The CPI demanded cancellation of existing contracts, district-wise re-tendering and an audit of the procurement process.
- Who
- CPI state secretary Gujjula Eswariah urged Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to act.
- What
- The CPI has demanded an independent inquiry, cancellation of existing contracts and fresh tenders for Bal Sanjeevani nutrition-kit supplies.
- Where
- The tender process concerns Andhra Pradesh’s Anganwadi centres, covering 26 districts at the time described.
- When
- Eswariah made the demand in a letter to the Chief Minister on Thursday.
- Why
- He alleges irregularities, inadequate competition, exclusion of women’s self-help groups and higher procurement costs.
CPI’s allegations and demands
Government position not provided
Tender fairness
CPI’s allegations and demands
The CPI alleges that the process did not ensure fair competition or equal opportunity and favoured large contractors.
Government position not provided
The article does not provide a response from the Andhra Pradesh government or the contractors defending the process.
Kit pricing
CPI’s allegations and demands
Eswariah claims prices rose from Rs.241 to Rs.283.19 in general zones and from Rs.350 to Rs.446 in the tribal zone, creating a possible extra burden.
Government position not provided
No government explanation for the revised rates is included in the article.
Participation of self-help groups
CPI’s allegations and demands
The CPI says the delivery requirements excluded women’s self-help groups and smaller local units and wants greater priority for SHGs.
Government position not provided
The article does not state the government’s position on SHG eligibility or participation.
Key facts
- Programme
- Bal Sanjeevani and Bal Sanjeevani Tribal nutrition schemes
- Beneficiaries
- Pregnant women, lactating mothers and children
- Coverage
- About 53,787 Anganwadi centres
- Monthly supply
- Around 4.52 lakh nutrition kits
- Annual procurement value
- About Rs.172.80 crore
- Alleged additional burden
- Approximately Rs.29.22 crore
- CPI demands
- Independent inquiry, financial audit, contract cancellation and district-wise re-tendering
Sources
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