Chandigarh: Punjab’s Milkfed has suspended three officials of the Verka milk plant in Ludhiana after the Indian Army rejected a 125 metric tonne consignment of milk powder over quality concerns.
Those suspended include General Manager Daljit Singh, Quality Manager Gurikbal Singh and Production Manager Paritosh Mishra. The action has been taken with immediate effect for alleged negligence and actions detrimental to the organisation’s interests.
Orders issued by Milkfed Managing Director Rahul Gupta state that the officials will remain posted at headquarters during the suspension period. The action has been taken under Rule 61 of the Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Employees Service Rules, 2023.
The Army had rejected two batches of milk powder—58.338 metric tonnes and 66.654 metric tonnes—supplied from the Ludhiana plant after quality checks. The issue was first flagged on February 12, and even after re-testing of a 753 kg sample, the consignment was again rejected on March 16.
Sources said the rejection was due to the presence of extraneous substances in the milk powder.
The development has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties targeting the state government. Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also raised questions over the matter.
Milkfed officials, however, termed it an isolated incident, stating that the cooperative supplies Verka products worth around ₹100 crore annually to the Army, including UHT milk, paneer, lassi and flavoured milk.
