In Brief
The Supreme Court quashed tender conditions issued by Maharashtra for Anganwadi food supply contracts that imposed a 25% annual turnover requirement and district-level tendering units. The Court held that these conditions effectively excluded genuine local self-help groups and Mahila Mandals, contrary to the National Food Security Act 2013, its Rules, and Government of India policy. The Court clarified that recipes and extrusion technology are only suggestive, not mandatory, and that decentralized supply through local women's groups is the statutory mandate. The tender was set aside; fresh tenders must be invited within four weeks using smaller geographic units (panchayat or group of panchayats) to ensure genuine participation by local players. The State was directed to make alternative arrangements within ten days and was restrained from continuing existing contractor-based supply.
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