Scandal Unfolds: Punjab's 'Panjiri Scam' Under Fire

Punjab Congress leader Tina Chaudhary has called for an investigation into the alleged 'panjiri scam', accusing the AAP government of awarding contracts to private companies for supplying substandard panjiri. The allegations highlight concerns over the quality and pricing of food supplied for child and maternal nutrition under the ICDS program.

Punjab Congress leader Tina Chaudhary has triggered a political storm by demanding an investigation into an alleged scam concerning the supply of 'panjiri'. Chaudhary accuses the AAP government of distributing supply contracts to private companies that provided substandard quality products, compromising the health of vulnerable populations, particularly poor children and pregnant women.

The allegations focus on irregularities in the procurement and supply of panjiri, traditionally made by roasting wheat flour in 'desi ghee'. The Congress leader claims that during their administration, panjiri was prepared using high-quality ingredients. In contrast, the current government is accused of supplying inferior products at inflated prices, purportedly causing significant financial loss to the state exchequer.

Chaudhary has called for restitution through government agencies like the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation, arguing that previous accusations of similar misconduct were voiced by both the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP. The demand stresses a return to transparency and accountability in managing vital nutrition programs for children, adolescents, and mothers.