BRS Calls for Central Investigation into Telangana's Anganwadi Smartphone Procurement
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has formally requested the central government to launch a thorough investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the Telangana government's procurement of smartphones for anganwadi workers under the Poshan Abhiyaan scheme. The opposition party has raised serious concerns about transparency and the proper utilization of Union government funds allocated for this welfare initiative.
Allegations of Financial Discrepancies and Misrepresentation
In a detailed representation addressed to Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, the BRS has highlighted multiple irregularities that it claims warrant immediate scrutiny. The party's preliminary investigation has uncovered what it describes as "startling facts" regarding the procurement process and pricing of the devices.
Key among the allegations is a significant pricing discrepancy. According to BRS findings, while the Union government allocated ₹11,800 per mobile device under the scheme, the actual smartphones procured by the Telangana government reportedly cost approximately half that amount. The party contends that when purchasing from original equipment manufacturers or authorized dealers for a bulk order of 38,310 smartphones, the price should have been substantially lower than what was apparently paid.
Furthermore, the BRS has pointed out what it calls a "widespread promotion misrepresentation." While anganwadi workers in Telangana are receiving 4G mobile phones, ruling party MLAs and affiliated platforms have been campaigning that 5G-enabled devices are being distributed, creating confusion about the actual specifications of the provided equipment.
Transparency Concerns in Procurement Process
The opposition party has raised serious questions about the transparency of the entire procurement exercise. Despite involving over 38,310 devices, there has been limited public disclosure regarding several critical aspects of the tender process:
- Tender conditions and specifications
- The competitive bidding process
- Vendor selection criteria and justification
- Final contract value and terms
Adding to the complexity, BRS has noted that although the procurement was initiated by the state's Women & Child Welfare Department, the concerned minister has reportedly stated that their department was not associated with the tender process, raising questions about departmental coordination and oversight.
Formal Demands for Investigation and Audit
The BRS has presented specific demands to the Union minister, calling for comprehensive action to address the alleged irregularities:
- Independent audit of the entire tender process, including pricing mechanisms and vendor selection criteria
- A comprehensive report from the Telangana state government detailing device specifications, procurement justification, and distribution protocols
- Recommendation for investigation by appropriate central agencies if any financial irregularities or procedural violations are confirmed
The party has emphasized that as a responsible opposition in Telangana, it is duty-bound to ensure proper utilization of public funds and maintain transparency in government schemes. The allegations come at a time when the Poshan Abhiyaan scheme, aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, represents a significant investment in public health infrastructure.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between the state and central governments regarding implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes, with opposition parties increasingly scrutinizing procurement processes and financial management in welfare programs. The outcome of this demand could have implications for how similar schemes are administered across states and the level of oversight exercised by central ministries.
