Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday inst꧑ructed officials to start at least 250 Indira Canteens, which🐟 provide subsidised food, with one outlet for each ward of Bengaluru.
The Congress in its manifesto had promised to rejuvenate the exist𒐪ing canteens and extend them꧅ throughout the state.
Indira Canteens, started as a pet project🦹 of Siddaramaiah, were first introduced during his earlier term as Chief Minister between 2013-18. The Chief Minister today held a meeting with top officials regarding provision of Indira Canteen serv🔯ice and its management.
"We have held discussions to restart the Indira Canteens. One Indira 💧Canteen has to be opened in every ward (of Bengaluru). I have instructed to take measures to start a minimum 250 Indira Canteens in Bengaluru ꦫcity," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting.
He said until now the city corporation used t⭕o bear 70 per cent of the cost and government took up the remaining 30 per cent, but from🔯 now on both entities will bear 50 per cent each.
"In places other than Bengaluru, the government will bear 7ꦇ0 per cent of the cost, while remaining 30 per cent will be by local civic agencies there," Siddaramaiah said adding he has asked for a list of places where canteens h😼ave to be opened afresh.
Noting that new tenders will be called, the 🐟Chief Minister said the menu will subsequently also change. Quantity, quality, cleanliness should be ensured, he pointed out.
The senior politician said there will be no price revision anജd existing rates will continue at the canteens. "I have asked to call for a short term tender zonal wise. After the tender process, we will relaunch th🐲e programme," he said in response to a question.
According to officials, officials were instructed at the meeting to visit the Indira Canteens and submit a report on the condition and functioning of the out🥀lets.
Repairs must be undertaken whereve🐭r necessary and the canteens should be in good cond🍒ition, they said, adding food quality should be maintained and the prescribed menu should be followed strictly with instructions given to provide local food in north Karnataka.
Instructions were also given to submit proposals for setting up new Indira Can🍃teens at public places like colleges, hospitals, bus stands, taluk offices, etc.
Officials, citin൩g data, said there are 175 canteens in Bengaluru of which 163 are operational. The canteens provide breakfast at Rs 5, while lunch and dinner cost Rs 10 each.
