After NDTV Report On Madhya Pradesh Nutrition Scam, Protests In Assembly

Earlier this month, NDTV reported massive corruption - from ration transport trucks that were found to be motorcycles to wild exaggeration of the number of beneficiaries - in the ambitious free food scheme for children.

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly was adjourned for the day on Wednesday following protests by the Opposition over an NDTV report on irregularities in the implementation of a supplementary nutrition scheme for schoolchildren. Earlier this month, NDTV, which accessed a confidential report by the state's own auditor, reported eye-popping levels of corruption - from ration transport trucks that were found to be motorcycles to wild exaggeration of the number of beneficiaries -  in the ambitious free food scheme that was aimed to tackle the issue of malnourishment of children.

The House was earlier adjourned twice during Question Hour due to the protests over the issue.

At the beginning of the Question Hour, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sought permission from Speaker Girish Gautam to make a detailed statement on the issue to clear the Opposition's "confusion" over it. The Speaker gave permission to Mr Chouhan to make the statement after the Question Hour.

Leader of Opposition Dr Govind Singh of the Congress, however, raised objection saying that about 15 adjournment motions had been submitted on this issue and these should be discussed before the Chief Minister was allowed to make his statement. However, the Speaker declined to concede to the Opposition demand.