Jaipur, Jan. 9 -- The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has booked several government officials and private firms for alleged large-scale corruption and irregularities in the supply of food items under the state Mid-Day Meal Scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic, causing an estimated loss of around Rs.2,000 crore to the Rajasthan government, ACB said in a release. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when schools across Rajasthan were closed, the state government arranged the supply of foodgrains to students under the scheme through the e Rajasthan State Co-operative Consumers' Federation Ltd. (CONFED). Combo packs containing pulses, edible oil, spices and other items were supplied, with claims that the material met Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and AGMARK standards and was delivered door-to-door to schools. However, after complaints of large-scale irregularities and corruption in the scheme's execution, ACB Rajasthan initiated a preliminary inquiry. "A subsequent investigation revealed serious lapses and alleged criminal conspiracy involving officials associated with the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and CONFED," ACB said in the release. According to ACB, officials allegedly colluded to manipulate tender rules, excluding eligible firms from the bidding process. "Tenders were instead awarded to favoured companies, which received undue benefits. These companies allegedly sublet the work illegally to other entities, creating an organised network of fake suppliers and transporters," ACB said. Investigators found that inflated and fake bills were submitted at higher rates without the actual procurement or supply of goods. Based on these forged documents, government payments were obtained. The bureau estimated a direct financial loss of around Rs.2,000 crore to the state exchequer. Following the findings, the ACB registered cases against several officials and private individuals posted during the scheme's implementation period. The ACB said a detailed probe is underway into the role of the accused, financial transactions, document forgery and misuse of government funds....