In Brief
The Supreme Court set aside a Maharashtra government tender for supplying supplementary nutrition to Anganwadi centres under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). The tender conditions required suppliers to have 25% turnover in each district (Rs. 1-10+ crores) and mandated extrusion technology. The Court found these conditions arbitrary and contrary to national policy favouring local women's self-help groups (Mahila Mandals). The Government of India had clarified that extrusion technology was merely suggestive, not mandatory. The Court directed fresh tenders within four weeks with smaller unit areas (panchayat level) to genuinely involve local women's organizations, not large contractors. Interim alternative arrangements must be made within ten days.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.