HC calls for record of nutritious food supply contracts

Mumbai, Dec 13 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today sought all records and details as to how the contracts for supplying nutritious food to Anganwadis under the Integrated Child Development Project in the city was being handled by the Women and Child Development Department.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice J P Deodhar issued this directive while acting on a petition filed by one Laxmi Mahila Mandal here. The Mahila Mandal had moved the High Court challenging state's decision to call tenders for supply of nutritious food to Anganwadis and Balmandirs in the city and Nagpur.

During the course of hearing, petitioner's counsel M M Vashi alleged that the State Government was not abiding by the Supreme Court's directives.

Though the Supreme Court has directed the states to award food supply contracts only to Mahila Mandals, 30 contractees from the metropolis were found to be contractors.

Assistant Government Pleader Mattos clarified that the contractees were found to be dominated by male members and action was taken against them, their contracts were terminated and new suppliers were appointed.

The matter will now come up for further hearing on December 19.

UNI