Centre wants special audit of PM Poshan implementation in Bengal: Here's why

Under the PM-Poshan scheme, students are provided with rice, pulses, vegetables, soybean and eggs in schools as part of mid-day meals.

New Delhi, Feb 08: The central government on Wednesday asked the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for a special audit of the implementation of PM Poshan scheme in West Bengal.

Ministry of Education said it has received reports about the alleged misuse of funds meant for PM Poshan scheme in West Bengal. It added that instances of deviations in the implementation of the scheme have also been reported in the media.

"In view of the above, the Education Ministry has requested 0/o CAG for a Special Audit of the implementation of PM Poshan Scheme in the State of West Bengal for the last three financial years. This Audit will encompass compliance, performance, and financial audit, the ministry said in a statement.

"The 0/o of CAG is empowered to conduct this Audit under Regulations on Audit and Accounts (Amendment) 2020 framed in pursuance of Section 23 of the Comptroller and Auditor Generals (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, (Act No 56 of 1971). Necessary corrective action will be taken by the Department based on the Audit Report by the 0/o CAG," it added.

"The Department of School Education and Literacy administers the PM Poshan Scheme vide which funds are provided to States, based on proposals received from them, for one hot cooked meal to eligible children in Classes I to VIII and Balvatika. PM Poshan Scheme benefits about 11.80 crore children in the country studying in 11.20 lakh Govt./Govt. aided schools," the statement further said.

PM Poshan scam in West Bengal

PM Poshan Abhiyan is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE)' was launched on the 15th August 1995.

On January 5, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari had alleged large-scale irregularities in the centrally sponsored scheme.

"One of the biggest ongoing Financial Scam in WB is the systematic misappropriation and diversion of Central Govt's Mid-Day Meal or PM Poshan funds by the State Govt's Administrative machinery," Suvendu Adhikari tweeted.

The scheme has the option of a joint review mission and in 2020 the state had objected to the visit of any such joint review mission (JRM).

Under the PM-Poshan scheme, students are provided with rice, pulses, vegetables, soybean and eggs in schools as part of mid-day meals.

The West Bengal Government has decided to serve chicken and seasonal fruits in mid-day meals for four months starting January and has allotted Rs 371 crore for introducing the same.