Nutrition Scam

■   Poor-quality, underweight eggs sent to Anganwadis.

■   Rs 43 crore lost yearly through egg supply scam.

■   Rotten eggs dumped due to month-long bulk delivery.

■   Contracts given without tenders; supplier–official nexus alleged.

■   12 lakh eggs needed daily; 10–20% short-supply reported.

■   Telangana has nearly 20,000 such small poultry farmers.

■   Expired eggs from wholesale shops are bought back at very low prices and redirected to Anganwadis

metro india news  I hyderabad

Across Telangana, the nutritional food meant for poor children in Anganwadi centres is going completely off track. Though officials framed strong rules, they are failing to supervise, resulting in even basic nutrition like eggs not reaching children properly. The eggs being supplied are of poor quality, very low weight, and in many cases rotten. Through underweight, low-quality and diverted supply, more than Rs 43 crore is being siphoned off every year.

The state has 149 ICDS projects and 35,781 Anganwadi centres. Under these centres, a total of 21,43,983 pregnant women, lactating mothers and small children receive nutritional support. This includes 3,32,942 pregnant and lactating women, 9,53,834 children aged 7 months to 3 years, and 8,57,206 children aged 3 to 6 years. For the 8.57 lakh children aged 3–6, one egg per day is provided. Underweight children are additionally given nine eggs per month to supplement protein and calcium. For this, nearly 12 lakh eggs must be supplied every single day.

However, the situation is extremely concerning. Instead of the required 50-gram eggs, Anganwadis are getting only 30–35 gram eggs. These are third-grade eggs laid by hens in the last days of their laying cycle. They are the cheapest, smallest and least nutritious. Many times, the eggs delivered are rotten because suppliers are dumping a full month’s stock at once, instead of supplying once every ten days as the rules require. As a result, eggs rot within a week or ten days, forcing centres to give spoiled eggs or avoid distribution altogether. Meanwhile, suppliers continue to profit, and officials look the other way.

As per the natural grading of eggs, first-grade eggs weighing 50 grams are sold to big malls and supermarkets. Second-grade eggs weighing around 40 grams go to retail shops. Only the third-grade eggs — 30 to 35 grams — are being pushed into Anganwadis. Because these eggs are very cheap, suppliers purchase them in bulk. Additionally, expired eggs from wholesale shops are bought back at very low prices and redirected to Anganwadis. Even large-sized eggs that come through this buyback system often reach centres rotten. These third-grade and expired eggs are bringing huge profit to suppliers at minimal cost.

Officials were supposed to call tenders and select the lowest bidders. Instead, discussions were held with suppliers district-wise, and contracts were given on a nomination basis. Allegations say this arrangement benefits both suppliers and officials. With 12 lakh eggs being used every day, even if one rupee is gained per egg, it results in Rs 12 lakh per day — adding up to over Rs 43 crore per year in unofficial earnings.

Local poultry farmers say that if the government directly involved small poultry farmers at the mandal level, Anganwadis could receive large, fresh, high-quality eggs every ten days. Telangana has nearly 20,000 such small poultry farmers. Direct supply from them would ensure good eggs for children and provide livelihood support to local farmers. Parents agree that this would improve children’s health and prevent the dumping of tiny or rotten eggs.

Quantity is also manipulated. Even when records show full supply, 10% to 20% fewer eggs are actually delivered. This short-supply happens silently, but bills always show the required number, allowing bogus claims to continue unchecked.

Parents and community groups argue that SC, ST, BC and Minority associations should also share responsibility in monitoring food and facilities in Anganwadis and hostels. They say these organisations should keep a close watch on whether the nutritional food is reaching children properly. Senior officials must conduct surprise inspections and take strict action wherever mismanagement is found. If not, the system may collapse, leaving poor children deprived of essential protein and calcium.