Thiruvananthapuram: A recent audit report from the Cooperative Department reveals a significant financial evasion of crores within Milma, the cooperative milk marketing federation. The report points to fraudulent practices in the buying of milk from other states and its subsequent sale in Kerala, achieved through manipulated mileage and increased vehicle rent.
According to the audit findings, a significant portion of the evasion occurred during the festive period of Onam. The report highlights that while the standard transportation cost for milk from other states stood at 40 paise per litre, during Onam, a substantial sum of Rs 9.2 per litre was reported as expenses. The report further reveals that malpractices are also done in toll payments.
Despite Milma’s recent decision to raise milk prices, justifying the move by citing increased production costs, the audit report argues that the benefits have not been given to the farmers. Also, the report asserts that, despite the hike in milk prices, Milma’s profit margins have remained the same.
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