No scam in egg procurement, buying rate lowest in TN, defends State government

In the release, it was mentioned that the entire process was transparent and the rate at which the eggs were procured was lower when compared to the other States.

The release stated the procurement of eggs for the MGR nutritious meal scheme commenced in 1989. Initially, the eggs were procured through a State-wide procurement scheme. Although in 2007 it was changed to district level procurement scheme, the government reverted to its earlier policy of State level procurement following allegations of corruption.

Presently, the procurement of eggs in the State is based on Tender Transparency Act of 1998 and the Tamil Nadu Transparency Rules of 2000. As per the provisions, the lowest bidder is allotted the tender. The cost of the eggs is in accordance with the rate fixed by National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) and the rate includes charges on transportation, handling and the accessories needed for safe transport of eggs such as egg trays and seals for the eggs.

Based on the NECC norms, eggs not weighing lesser than 45 grams were procured at the cost of Rs 4.34 each. The rate, when compared to the other States are lower, the release stated. In Jharkhand, the price of an egg procured is Rs 5.93, while in Andhra Pradesh it is Rs 4.68, the release added. In the last five years from 2013 to 2018, the State government had allocated Rs 2,031.22 crore for the procurement of eggs, benefitting several lakhs of children.