Probe into Aahaar irregularities demanded

The Bharatiya Vikash Parishad on Thursday alleged massive irregularities in the Aahaar programmes run by Hyderabad-based Manna Trust and demanded that the matter be probed either by the CBI or by a High Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Addressing a Press meet, the Parishad alleged that the State Government, without a tender process, has signed an MoU with the trust deploying it to distribute meals to 29,150 beneficiaries at 52 Aahaar centres in 17 districts. Besides, the trust has been given contract for supplying mid-day meals to over 70,000 schoolchildren in three districts, Ganjam, Kalahandi and Keonjhar.

The Parishad again alleged that the trust has been given the restroom near the railway station for use free of cost, the rent of which would be Rs 50,000 per month. This means, the Government is losing Rs 6 lakh per year since the trust began its projects. "Action should be taken against officials who are responsible for this. The amount should recovered from his salary," demanded the Parishad.

Among others, Parishad State president Surendra Panigrahi, Rabi Ratha, Sudam Behera, Kali Dash, Manas Patro, Aaslam Ahmad and Alli Ahamad were present.