Cases of corruption continue to emerge in Madhya Pradesh. While the investigation into the painting scam in the Education Department is still ongoing, a new ‘Dry Fruit Scam’ has surfaced within the ‘Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan’. In a one-hour ‘Jal Chaupal’ meeting held in Bhadwahi Gram Panchayat of Gohparu Block, four to five officials allegedly consumed 14 kg of dry fruits, for which a bill of Rs 19,010 has reportedly been paid. This scam came to light when villagers were served khichdi, puri, and sabzi, but the bill showed expenses for dry fruits. There is a significant discrepancy in the price of cashews on the grocery store bill; one kilogram of cashews was purchased for Rs 1,000, whereas the market rate is Rs 600 to Rs 650 per kilogram.

 

The bill also includes expenses for 5 kg cashews, 6 kg almonds, 3 kg raisins, 30 kg savory snacks (namkeen), 20 packets of biscuits, and tea made with 6 liters of milk and 5 kg of sugar. The District Panchayat CEO was present at the event but expressed surprise at the bill, stating he had no knowledge of it. He clarified that the event was organised by the Gram Panchayat and included all senior officials and common citizens. Government officials are claiming that this campaign is running on public cooperation and no budget was allocated for it, raising questions about the payment of this bill and the inclusion of expensive items. The ‘Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan’ aimed to clean water bodies like wells, ponds, and rivers in villages, and was conducted across all districts of the state until June 30.