Mid-day meal scam: ACB flags Rs. 2,000 crore loss, 21 accused named

Jaipur: Rajasthan’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has formally registered a case in connection with alleged large-scale irregularities in the state mid-day meal supply system during the Covid-19 pandemic, estimating a financial loss of around Rs. 2,000 crore to the government.

During school closures caused by Covid-19, the state replaced cooked mid-day meals with combo food packs containing pulses, edible oil and spices. These were supplied through CONFED with claims that the material met FSSAI and AGMARK standards and was delivered directly to students’ homes.

ACB’s inquiry indicates that officials associated with the scheme allegedly changed tender conditions mid-process, resulting in eligible firms being excluded and contracts being awarded to selected private entities. These firms are accused of illegally subletting the work, creating a wider network of suppliers and transporters.

Investigators say that in multiple cases, payments were released on the basis of inflated or fake bills, even where actual procurement or delivery of goods did not take place. This systematic manipulation is believed to have caused a loss estimated at about Rs. 2,000 crore to the state exchequer.

The FIR names 21 accused, including CONFED officials, staff linked to central storage and supply units, and proprietors of private firms involved in procurement and logistics. Several supplier companies and individuals connected to billing and transportation are also under scrutiny.

ACB has stated that the probe will now focus on financial transactions, forged documents, tender files and payment records to clearly establish the role of each accused. Officials have said that further action will follow strictly as per law once responsibility is fixed.