MAA SARASWATI SHG, KENDRAPARA Vs. STATE OF ODISHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is a Women's Self Help Group operating in the district of Kendrapara and engaged in preparation and supply of Take Home Ration (THR) (Chhatua). An advertisement was issued by the DSWO, Kendrapara inviting applications from SHGs for preparation and supply of THR (Chhatua) to different Anganwadi Centers under the said ICDS Project. Several SHGs, including the petitioner submitted their applications. A joint enquiry was conducted by the Sub-Collector and the CDPO, wherein the petitioner group was found most suitable in terms of experience, infrastructure facilities, ability to meet emergencies, maintenance of hygienic atmosphere etc., and was recommended for engagement. However, for reasons not clearly spelt out, the DSWO, Kendrapara engaged another Self Help Group, named Madaneswar SHG for the work.

(2.) The petitioner challenged such engagement by filing a writ application before this Court being W.P.(C) No.11 of 2019. This Court, by judgment dtd. 19/1/2023 took note of all relevant facts along with the joint enquiry report and set aside the engagement order issued in favour of the said Madaneswar, SHG. It is stated at the bar that the judgment of this Court has not been further challenged and has thus, attained finality. The following direction was issued under paragraph-8 of the judgment:-

(3.) Accordingly, the petitioner submitted a detailed representation on 27/1/2023 before the Collector, Kendrapara with request to issue order of engagement as per the recommendation made by the joint enquiry committee. The Collector, however, by order dtd. 10/3/2023 allowed an existing unit, namely Budhijagulai-B SHG to prepare and supply THR (Chhatua) to the Anganwadi Centers, which were earlier managed by Madaneswar SHG.