Lokayukta Filed Case Against Former MP Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains In Nutrition Diet And Other Schemes.

Lokayukta Filed Case Against Former MP Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains In Nutrition Diet And Other Schemes.

The Lokayukta has initiated an investigation against former Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains and former Aajeevika Mission CEO Lalit Mohan Belwal in a corruption case involving a scam of approximately Rs 500 crore. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in nutrition diet and other schemes from 2018-19 to 2021-22.

Key Allegations:

• Corruption in Nutrition Diet Schemes: The Auditor General’s report revealed widespread corruption in distribution, transportation, and quality of nutrition diets, resulting in a scam of Rs 481.79 crore in just 8 districts over 4 years.
• Favoritism and Nepotism: Iqbal Singh Bains allegedly made Lalit Mohan Belwal CEO of Aajeevika Mission by bringing him on deputation from the forest department in 2017, and then again appointed him on a contract basis in June 2020.
• Misuse of Power: Bains and Belwal allegedly conspired to give work of all seven factories manufacturing nutrition food to Aajeevika Mission, bypassing Agro Industries Corporation.

Investigation and Action:

• The Lokayukta took action based on a complaint by former MLA Paras Saqlecha, who accused Bains and Belwal of corruption.
• The investigation aims to uncover the extent of corruption and identify those responsible.
• The Congress party has demanded an impartial inquiry into the matter, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency.

Background:

• Iqbal Singh Bains is a 1985-batch IAS officer who served as Chief Secretary under the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.
• He was given two extensions as Chief Secretary, and his tenure ended in November 2023.
• Bains has been accused of shielding corrupt officials and engaging in favoritism during his tenure.