However, what started as a well-intentioned project soon turned into a massive scandal. As the project progressed, allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds began to surface. It was revealed that large sums of money were being siphoned off by government officials and middlemen, leaving the intended beneficiaries – the rural women – with a meager share of the profits.
In 2018, after a protracted trial, the CBI court convicted several accused, including Dharam Singh and S. Subramanya, of various charges related to corruption and cheating. Dharam Singh was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined ₹50 lakhs (approximately $67,000 USD). indias biggest scandal mysore mallige work
The scandal also underscores the importance of robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that flagship programs achieve their intended objectives. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for effective whistleblower protection policies to encourage individuals to come forward with information about corruption and malfeasance. However, what started as a well-intentioned project soon