Declining quality & limited options: Indira Canteen struggles to fulfill its mission

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: At the Indira Canteen located on Avenue Road in Ward 109 Chickpet, patrons may encounter a woman who both serves and cleans the plates. Indira Canteens offer subsidized meals for those in need.

Inaugurated in 2017 during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s first tenure, they are presently managed by the Health Department of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

However, when approached by this reporter for a meal at 2:00 pm, well ahead of the 3:30 pm closing time, she responded, “oota khaali aithu, pa” (We’ve run out of meals).

Ironically, her name was Indira Gandhi, the namesake of this canteen. Similarly, many others here face the same plight, as the variety and quality of meals have diminished.

“Previously, we used to receive food that could serve around 500 plates; now, it has reduced to only 30 kilograms,” lamented Gandhi.

“A significant number of these canteens have shut down; only 4-5 are still operational,” alleged Gandhi.

Regular customers have voiced complaints regarding the removal of food items from the menu.

“We used to enjoy a wide range of choices, but now we’re limited to only rice and sam - bar,” remarked Nagaraj, a frequent patron of the Indira Canteen in Ward 146 Lakkasandra.

“The consistency of the food quality is also lacking. Some days it's acceptable, but other days it's stale and hard to digest,” Nagaraj added.

When questioned about the compromised quality, the server expressed concerns. “I’ve witnessed dishes being removed from the menu as well,” the server disclosed.

It has been discovered that the food supplied to these outlets is sourced from other larger eateries, including one near Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, disappointing locals.

The operating hours of these canteens have also drawn criticism from customers. Bharathi, who operates a stall near an Indira Canteen in Ward number 153 Jayanagar, mentioned that although the food offered is tasty and satisfactory, the timings are inconvenient.

“Many people come here only to find the canteen closed,” Bharathi remarked. However, the only silver lining is the canteen in Ward 110 Sampangi Rama Nagar, located near the Hudson Circle.

“I’ve been eating here for a year; the quality has remained consistent thus far. Hopefully, it stays that way,” commented a security guard.