File Photo: Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Pankaja Munde
The Bombay High Court today issued notices to Maharashtra government, cabinet minister Pankaja Munde and others in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on distribution of 'chikki' procured by the Women and Child Development department.
The petition filed by social activist, Sandeep Ahire also demands a ban on manufacturing of chikki, a sweet savoury, by the three suppliers who had got the contract.
Advocate Deven Jogdeo told NDTV, "We argued that the distribution of poor quality chikki should be stopped with immediate effect... since the matter concerns not only chikki but also other items worth approximately Rs 206 crore which were passed in a single day more than 20 GRs, it is an alarming situation and non-transparent."
Ms Munde, who is the Women and Child Development minister, has been accused of irregularities in procurement of items worth Rs 206 crore including chikki, a sweet savoury. It has also been alleged that the chikki, meant to be distributed to tribal students, had traces of clay. The minister has denied the allegations.
"I am ready and the whole government is ready with all the papers, documents and facts. But they don't have facts that's why they are using other ways of campaigning," Ms Munde had said earlier.
The government's advocate told the court there were no complaints from aanganwadis and parents, and the PIL is based on news reports about the chikkis being sub-standard. Besides Ms Munde and the government, other respondents include the Chief Secretary, the Commissioner of Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and the three chikki manufacturers.
The petition also mentions the allegation that Ms Munde's ministry placed orders for chikki, mats, books, dishes, etc., worth in total Rs. 206 crore, on a single day without e-tendering.
The division bench headed by Justice VM Kanade has asked the respondents to file their replies by July 20.
Another activist, Hemant Patil too has filed a PIL on the same issue which is yet to come up for hearing.