Bundi |
A case of serious irregularities has come to light in the Annapurna Rasoi scheme operating in Bundi district of Rajasthan, which aims to provide affordable meals to poor and needy people. During a surprise inspection conducted by Divisional Commissioner Anil Kumar Agrawal at the Annapurna Rasoi and shelter home located in Devpura, several major lapses in the operation of the scheme were revealed. A significant difference was found between the recorded number of meals served and the actual situation on the ground, raising suspicions of possible fraud.
Major gap between records and reality
According to the kitchen records, meals were shown as served to 96 people on the day of inspection. However, when officials checked the site, only 19 plates were found to have been used. Observing this discrepancy, the Divisional Commissioner expressed strong displeasure and termed it a serious lapse and a possible irregularity. Officials stated that if coupons were issued for such a large number of meals, it must be investigated in whose names those coupons were actually used.
Poor arrangements found in the kitchen
During the inspection, the overall condition of the kitchen was also found to be unsatisfactory. Cleanliness was poor, with dirt seen in several areas of the premises. Basic facilities were also missing. There was no displayed menu card in the kitchen, and despite the intense heat, proper fan arrangements were not available. These shortcomings raised questions about the quality and management of the scheme.
Quantity of food also questionable
According to Tehsildar Arjun Lal, around 15 people were found eating food at the site, while two people were still having their meal and two plates were lying empty. During the inspection, only a small quantity of dal was found in the kitchen and rice was not available at all. The food being served was also not in accordance with the prescribed menu chart, and items such as pickles were not provided to the beneficiaries. In total, only about 20 plates were available in the kitchen, whereas records claimed that 96 people had been served food.
Irregularities also found in the shelter home
The Divisional Commissioner also inspected the nearby shelter home, where several deficiencies were observed. Fans were found running in empty rooms even though no one was present. There was no security guard, and the bedding was found to be unclean. Electrical equipment was also found running unnecessarily. When officials asked the staff about these issues, they were unable to provide satisfactory explanations.
Action likely against the concerned firm
Assistant Engineer of the Bundi Municipal Council, Dinesh Meena, stated that he had recently taken charge of the Annapurna Rasoi and was not informed about the inspection beforehand. He said that if any fraud or irregularity is confirmed during the investigation, strict action will be taken against the concerned firm. This could include blacklisting the firm and withholding its payments.
Orders for investigation of coupons
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Divisional Commissioner has directed the district administration to conduct a detailed investigation. The Information and Technology Department has also been instructed to examine the digital records of the issued coupons to determine how many meals were actually served and whether coupons were falsely recorded.
The administration has stated that if any wrongdoing is proven at any level, strict action will be taken against those responsible to ensure that the benefits of the Annapurna Rasoi scheme truly reach the people who need it most.
