Council rocked over chikki purchase row

MUMBAI: The legislative council was adjourned twice over the issue of alleged irregularities in chikki purchase contracts.
Members of the Opposition Hemant Takle (NCP) and Bhai Jagtap (Congress) claimed they were denied “adequate time” to discuss the matter in the legislative council on Thursday by chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar. “The state woman and child welfare department has purchased various items worth Rs 206 crore without inviting tenders while the government rulebook states that e-tenders should be floated for contracts above Rs 3 lakh.
Low-quality chikki purchased by the department has affected children’s fitness. The health department has bought medicines that are not needed, a minister has got a bogus certificate, all these issues should come before the people. In the last eight months, the government has committed various wrongdoings, which the people need to know,” added Takle.
Jagtap pointed out that even the high court had been taken note of the chikki issue. “The HC has also asked to clarify and issued notice to the state government. The low-quality chikki has been supplied to anganwadis by the department… metal pieces have been found inside chikki packets,” said Jagtap. “This needs to be discussed in the House so that we know the government’s stand,” he added.
Later members stormed the well of the chamber. Nimbalkar has assured that the issue will be taken up for discussion on Friday.