Jaipur: Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot Wednesday demanded a high-level inquiry into the seizure of over 3,000 kilos of milk powder by Jaipur Rural police near Samod Tuesday, designated for distribution in mid-day meals at govt schools.“We demand a high-level inquiry into this entire network, strict action against the guilty, and a guarantee that children in every school receive milk regularly. Those who snatch the morsel from the mouths of the poor must not be spared at any cost,” Gehlot said on X. He added that Congress launched the ‘Bal Gopal Yojana’ to ensure over 50 lakh school children in the state got proper nutrition and “that no child suffered from malnutrition. ”“Children in schools have been waiting for milk since April, making do with just water, while their allocated milk is being sold in the open market. What could be a greater act of callousness? This is not an isolated incident,” the former CM said.He also alleged that free sanitary napkins meant for distribution under the ‘Udaan Yojana’ were also being black-marketed under the BJP govt, and that pension and ‘Palanhar‘ scheme funds were systematically being diverted to dummy accounts,. “Under BJP rule, every scheme falls prey to plunder, yet the entire system remains a mute spectator. One wonders where the money belonging to the people of Rajasthan is being siphoned off to,” said Gehlot.Officials from Samod police station said Tuesday that they intercepted a vehicle passing through Chithwadhi village.On Wednesday evening, an FIR was registered in the case. Officials stated that based on the investigation, all individuals involved in the case will be identified, and strict legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the law.The mid-day meal department in Rajasthan on July 24 issued an order asking schools to procure powder milk as per requirements to ensure uninterrupted milk supply in schools for students. Mid-day meal commissioner Vishwa Kumar Sharma did not respond to TOI’s requests for comment.In Oct, five govt school teachers were suspended by the primary education department for selling milk powder meant for distribution in schools to children as part of the mid-day meal as part of the Panna Dhai Bal Gopal Yojana, under which govt schools students from pre-primary to Class 8 are served hot milk prepared with skimmed milk powder to improve their nutritional levels.
