The Madras High Court today upheld a Government Order re-introducing a state level tender system for procurement of eggs under "Puratchi Talaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Programme" and Integrated Child Development Welfare Services Scheme (ICDSS).
A Division Bench comprising Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice M Sathyanarayanan dismissing appeals and petitions against the tender system, said, "The authorities have kept in mind public interest and adopted fair procedure in floating state-wide tender in favor of Natural Food Products of Namakkal District and Suvarnaboomi Enterprises Pvt Limited for procurement of eggs."
The bench rejected the claims of the petitioners that on account of floating state-wide tender, monopoly has been created in favour of big suppliers and small poultry farmers were affected.
"As against total production of 3,50,00,000 eggs per day in the state, only 60,00,000 eggs are supplied by successful tenderers per day and hence it cannot be said the small poultry farmers are solely depending upon the tenders floated by the authorities," the court said.
The Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department of the state had passed a government order in 2012 re-introducing state level tender system for procurement of eggs under programme for the supply of boiled AGMARK boiled eggs.
Tenders were awarded to Natural Food Products and Suvarnabhoomi Enterprises Pvt Limited for the supply of eggs for one year commencing from May 1, 2013.
