Chandigarh, March 12: Sardar Bikram Singh Majithia, a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has made serious allegations regarding a ‘Panjeeri scam’ in Punjab. He is calling for a CBI investigation into an alleged fraud amounting to ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 crores, which he claims occurred under the direct supervision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. During a press conference, Majithia stated that this scam is linked to the procurement and supply of nutritious rations, specifically Panjeeri, provided to breastfeeding mothers and infants through Anganwadi centers.
Majithia accused Chief Minister Mann of violating the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) standards while serving as the Minister of Cooperation. He pointed out that since 2022, five plants of Verka (Punjab Milkfed), where Panjeeri was produced, have been shut down. Subsequently, Markfed was assigned the responsibility, which awarded tenders to four private companies.
These companies—Chandigarh Sweets, Interlink Foods, Prakash Masala, and MP Agrottonics—are reportedly blacklisted. Majithia claimed that all four companies were awarded tenders within the same hour and share the same address. This process has been ongoing since 2022, with annual expenditures exceeding ₹500 crores and inflated tender prices.
He further alleged that the quality of Panjeeri supplied by these companies is subpar, with reports of fungal contamination. Departmental staff and a CDPO raised complaints, leading to their suspension, although they were later reinstated. The then Milkfed president, Narendra Shergill, also highlighted the use of inferior materials (refined oil instead of desi ghee), which resulted in his resignation. Majithia emphasized that this scam jeopardizes the health of mothers and newborns.
Majithia questioned why contracts are being awarded to blacklisted companies. He noted the irony that AAP leader Sanjay Singh demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh over a similar issue, while the same situation unfolds in Punjab. He asserted that only a CBI investigation can reveal the full truth behind the scam and ensure that those involved are punished.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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