Indira canteens cry for funds

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: While a stomach filling meal elsewhere costs a minimum Rs 40, one can buy a meal at the Indira Canteen for a mere Rs 10. Will there be any allocation for the subsidised food providing Indira canteens that benefit thousands from the working class in this year's budget? Most likely no. Indira Canteens with the objective of serving the urban poor was introduced in March 2017, drawing inspiration from the Amma canteen model followed in Tamil Nadu.

The canteen initiative named after former prime minister Indira Gandhi, was allocated a budget of Rs 100 crores by then chief minister Siddaramaiah. On August 16, 2017 over 101 Indira canteens were inaugurated within city limits by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had the first breakfast at a canteen located in Jayanagar.

Their popularity led to the expansion into all 198 wards of the city. Following the success, it was later expanded to various districts across the state. During the year 2017-18 and 2018- 19, the then government had allotted Rs 100 crores and Rs 145 crores respectively.

However, since the BJP government came to power in the state, in the last two years, no money has been specifically allotted for the initiative. To make up for this void, the municipal body has been setting aside funds for the canteens from its own budget.

For the year 2022-23, the BBMP had allotted Rs 60 crores from its own budget. A decision to shut down the canteens entirely has not been taken yet but the contractors have been complaining of not being paid for long durations of time. Recently, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) had cut supply of water to Indira Canteens for nonpayment of bills.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath had confirmed the news but also defended the civic agency, claiming the water bill has to be paid by contractors and not BBMP. According to BBMP officials, over 15 mobile Indira canteens in Bengaluru have shut down.