Vigilance detects irregularities in supply of eggs

Berhampur (Orissa), Sept 29: Vigilance sleuths have detected alleged irregularities in supply of eggs to the students in mid-day meal (MDM) in Jagannath Prasad block of Orissa's Ganjam district.

The anti-corruption department has registered a case against the school inspector (Jagannath Prasad) block and two egg suppliers, Vigilance officials said today.

"During investigation it was found that eggs were actually not distributed. Distribution of eggs to students was shown only in paper during February and March, 2009," said DSP (vigilance) and investigation officer, DPR Patnaik.

Each student is to be given at least two eggs in a week under MDM, while the government fix the rate of one egg at Rs 2.30, sources said.

The anti-corruption agency in Berhampur has registered cases against the then school inspector and two egg suppliers for alleged misappropriation of around Rs 1.13 lakh in the name of supplying of eggs in the block, the DSP said.

The irregularities in supply of eggs in MDM came to light after investigation of only 22 out of over 200 schools in the block, he said.

Since the egg suppliers were entrusted with the job of supplying of eggs in all the schools in MDM, the vigilance officials said the further investigation would be conducted, he added.

Meanwhile, the anti-corruption sleuths registered another case against former in-charge head master of Birangi upper primary school under Tikabali block of Kandhamal district on charge of misappropriating the funds meant for the school development works.

About Rs 2.59 lakh was allegedly misappropriated betwee August 3, 2009 nd May 10, 2010, vigilance sources said.

PTI