A shocking revelation from Rajasthan has brought to light a significant corruption scandal involving the 'Bal Gopal Yojana,' a scheme designed to provide nutritional support to children in government schools. It has been uncovered that headmasters are illicitly diverting and selling milk powder, intended for the well-being of school children, to Mawa (a solidified milk product) factories. This powder is being sold at prices ranging from 160-200 rupees per kilogram, fueling a black market that thrives at the expense of children's health and development.
The Bal Gopal Yojana: A Scheme Under Siege
The Bal Gopal Yojana, formerly known as the Mukhya Mantri Bal Gopal Yojana, was rebranded on September 4, 2024, to Pathyaday Bal Gopal Yojana, while its primary aim is to combat malnutrition among the 69 lakh children enrolled in government schools across Rajasthan. With an annual budget exceeding 722 crore rupees, the scheme mandates the provision of milk prepared from milk powder to children twice a week, while the milk powder is delivered directly to schools by the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF). However, the noble intentions behind this massive welfare initiative are being sabotaged by. A network of corrupt officials and educators who prioritize personal gain over public service.
Modus Operandi of the Scandalous Diversion
The investigation, which spanned over a month, exposed a systematic modus operandi. Headmasters and other school staff are actively involved in diverting sealed packets of milk powder, which are then sold to middlemen or directly to Mawa factories. For instance, in Balotra, a Mawa factory owner admitted to reporters that they were offered to buy the powder at 200 rupees per kilogram, stating that other contractors also purchase at similar rates. Another specific instance involved Headmaster Rajesh Meena of Sanskrit School in Manmaji ki Dhani, Jodhpur, who was caught selling 11 kilograms of milk powder for 160 rupees per kilogram, with the payment made via UPI to a friend's account.
Evidentiary Instances Across Districts
Further evidence of this widespread corruption includes incidents like Headmaster Sheela Bhalai of Jato ki Dhani, Balotra, being observed delivering four packets of milk powder near a petrol pump. Similarly, Headmaster Suresh Kumar of Prathmik Vidyalaya Nagneshiyon ki Dhani was seen handing over nine packets for cash payment after school hours, instructing the recipient to return after school time, while in Jodhpur, Headmaster Manglaram of Uchh Prathmik Vidyalaya explicitly told a reporter that he would pack another packet to avoid suspicion and instructed them to meet after his principal, Pappa Ram Godara, had left for the day. These instances collectively paint a grim picture of systemic corruption, highlighting. How deeply ingrained this practice has become within certain educational institutions.
Profound Impact on Children's Nutrition and Future
Official Response and the Path Forward
The most distressing consequence of this scandal is the severe impact on the nutritional intake of millions of children. The milk powder is fortified with essential nutrients crucial for their physical and cognitive development. By diverting this vital resource, the corrupt individuals are directly depriving children of their fundamental right to proper nutrition, undermining the very foundation of the Bal Gopal Yojana. This betrayal not only compromises the children's health but also jeopardizes their. Future, as malnutrition can lead to long-term health issues and hinder academic performance. One kilogram of government milk powder can yield 10. 5 liters of milk or 2, while 5 kilograms of mawa. While mawa made from buffalo milk costs 240 rupees per kilogram in the market, mawa produced from the stolen powder. Is available at a Importantly lower price, yielding a profit of approximately 150 rupees per kilogram for the corrupt elements.
Following these alarming revelations, the education department has been prompted to take action. Sitaram Jat, Director of Elementary and Secondary Education, has termed the matter serious and assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved, regardless of their position. To curb such widespread corruption, it's imperative to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, conduct regular audits, and implement stringent legal provisions. The focus must be on ensuring that every gram of milk powder reaches its intended beneficiaries and that the scheme's objectives are fully realized. This scandal underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of welfare schemes, safeguarding the future of the nation's children from the clutches of corruption.
