news details |
|
|
| ICDS stops supply of sub-standard biscuits to Anganwari centres | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Sept 8: Due to continuous media pressure especially from Early Times , Mission Director of Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) in J&K has been directed not to supply sub standard biscuits to ICDS Projects who further supply the same to Anaganwari Centres across state.
As reported already Mission Director ICDS had to face embarrassment at a workshop organized by Niti Ayoug in Srinagar last month as some members from civil society groups raised questions about supply of sub standard nutritional items in Anganwari centres across J&K. Members from civil society groups in front of senior officials of Niti Ayoug and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment quoted the news items carried by Early Times and demanded that high level probe be conducted against the involved officers of ICDS including its Mission Director. The top officials of Niti Aayog and J&K Government met around three dozen civil society organsiations working on social development in J&K particularly on children, women and senior citizens issues. When the discussion began on ICDS some senior citizens raised the issue of misbranded and sub standard nutritional items being supplied to Anganwadi centres in J&K. Two news articles from Early Times & valley based newspapers were quoted and this was an embarrassment for the ICDS Mission Director who according to sources has been summoned by the Secretary Soci l Welfare.
Pertinent to mention that ICDS Mission Directorate had selected a biscuit brand which was declared sub-standard and misbranded in 2017 by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety. Early Times is already in possession of the said report. The said biscuits will are to be supplied to around 30,000 Anganwadi centres across state in the coming weeks and health of around 10 lakh kids is at stake. Authorities have been asked by many stake holders to stop this supply order. Sources reveal that administrative department has directed ICDS Mission Director not to supply the biscuits to Project Offices or Anganwari Centers.
ICDS had shortlisted a company by illegal means which had to supply biscuits of inferior quality to the directorate meant for Anganwari centres across state. Sources say that biscuits identified and accepted are manufactured by an unregistered firm that has several FIRs registered under JK Food Safety Act in Ganderbal & Kathua. Sources in ICDS J&K have told Early Times that the said firm and its products are not registered with the Registrar of Trade Mark ™ of India which is a Central Vigilance Commission's (CVC) mandatory norm. Moreover the (unregistered) biscuits are being purchased for Rs 74/Kg while as registered / branded biscuits can be easily purchased @ Rs 65 to Rs 67 / Kg. A substandard company is being encouraged by ICDS against registered companies with lowest F.O.R price. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
