Substandard Supplies in Anganwadis: Minister Rajwade Orders Action, Six Supply Agencies Blacklisted

State-level inquiry confirms poor quality; defective items replaced, and strict action initiated under CM Sai’s zero-tolerance policy

Raipur : Responding swiftly to concerns over the quality of materials supplied to Anganwadi centres, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade directed immediate action. A state-level inquiry committee was formed, comprising officials such as the Joint Director (Finance), representatives from CSIDC and GEC Raipur, District Program Officers, ICDS Assistant Directors, and experts from technical inspection agencies SGS India and IRCLASS Systems. After physically inspecting the supplies across districts, the committee submitted its findings to the Directorate.

Based on the report, six suppliers — M/s Namo Enterprises, M/s Ayush Metal, M/s Urban Suppliers, M/s Manidhari Sales, M/s Oriental Sales, and M/s Sonchiraiya Corporation — were blacklisted from the GeM portal. These agencies are now barred from any future government supply contracts. The department ensured that all substandard materials were recalled and replaced with items that met required standards.

This decisive move aligns with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s zero-tolerance policy, reflecting the government’s firm administrative resolve and commitment to transparency. The Chief Minister has repeatedly emphasized that there will be no compromise on the welfare of children, women, and the poor.

The Women and Child Development Department clarified that in FY 2024–25, materials worth ₹23.44 crore were procured through the GeM portal, refuting some media claims pegging the figure at ₹40 crore. The department confirmed that every item underwent quality checks before and after supply, ensuring a transparent procurement process.

The state-level committee conducted detailed inspections in Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, Jashpur, Surguja, and Janjgir-Champa. Key findings from the report include:

• Unassembled tables were found at some locations but were later rectified.
• Grain storage bins (Anaaj Kothi) supplied by M/s Namo Enterprises and M/s Ayush Metal were not compliant with BIS standards, leading to replacements and blacklisting.
• Steel trays showed discrepancies in size and weight; replacements were sought from M/s Urban Suppliers, M/s Manidhari Sales, and M/s Oriental Sales.
• Tawas (griddles) from M/s Sonchiraiya Corporation failed quality checks and led to their blacklisting.
• Kadhai (woks) met most parameters, with only minor weight differences.
• Other items like cupboards, cookers, spoons, and glasses were mostly found to meet required specifications.

Importantly, no payments were made for defective supplies. The department reiterated that payment is processed only after successful quality checks, preventing misuse or negligence by suppliers. All substandard items have now been replaced with approved materials.

Commenting on the matter, Minister Rajwade stated, “There can be no compromise on quality when it comes to services for children and women. We acted promptly and transparently to investigate and took strict action against the guilty. Our top priority is to ensure only safe, durable, and high-quality materials reach Anganwadi centres.”