Amit Kumar Jain vs. State of Rajasthan

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The petition charged that the State authorities have given undue power to the tender committee, causing a breakdown in the distribution system. Lactating mothers and children are meant to receive nutritious food from the Anganwari centers and village communities, Mahil Mandals and self-help groups are to be responsible for buying grains and preparing food. According to guidelines in the right to food case (Writ petition No. 196/2001, People’s Union for Civil Liberties Vs. Union of India), contractors are barred from the role of distributing nutritional support to beneficiaries in Anganwari centers. The petitioner cited that funds for the Integrated Child Distribution System were mismanaged and that tenders gave preferential treatment to certain parties (Kota Dal Mill, Kota and J.V.S. Food), while no provisions were given to self-help groups, Mahila Mandal and village communities. The respondents primarily issued tenders to select manufacturers – Meethey & Namkeen Murmurey, Baby Mix and Rajasthan Mix – indicating partiality and lack of accountability by the tender committee. Since 2003, new beneficiaries who qualify for tenders have not been given their allotment; previous recipients have continued to receive tenders, but there is no indication as to when reevaluation of families who meet qualifications will take place. The High Court added its opinion that “such writ petition is wholly misconceived and misplaced.”