Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asks officials to open 250 Indira Canteens in Bengaluru city

The chief minister held a meeting with top officials regarding the provision of Indira Canteen service and its management.

“We 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 of 250 Indira Canteens in Bengaluru city,” Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting.

The city corporation used to bear 70 percent of the cost of running the outlets, and the government met the remaining 30 percent of the expense. But from now onwards, both entities will bear 50 percent of the cost each.

“In places other than Bengaluru, the government will bear 70 percent of the cost, while the remaining 30 percent will be by the respective local civic agencies,” Siddaramaiah said, adding he has sought a list of places where Indira canteens have to be opened.

Noting that new tenders would be invited, the chief minister said the menu would also change. Quantity, quality, and cleanliness should be ensured, he instructed the officials.

ಇಂದಿರಾ ಕ್ಯಾಂಟೀನ್ ಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಸಭೆ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಅವರ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದು ನಡೆಯಿತು.#BBMPCares #IndiraCanteen @CMofKarnataka @siddaramaiah @BBMPAdmn @KarnatakaVarthe pic.twitter.com/kC4govYhZq

— Tushar Giri Nath IAS (@BBMPCOMM) June 12, 2023

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No price revision

The chief minister said there will be no price revision, and the existing rates will continue.

“I have asked to call for a short-term, zonal-wise tender. After the tender process, we will relaunch the programme,” he replied to a query.

The officials were instructed to visit Indira Canteens and submit a report on the condition and functioning of the outlets.

Repairs must be undertaken wherever necessary, and the canteens should be in good condition, the officials said, adding that the 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 Canteens at public places such as colleges, hospitals, bus stands, taluk offices, etc.

Citing data, officials said of the 175 canteens in Bengaluru, 163 are operational. The canteens provide breakfast at ₹5, while lunch and dinner cost ₹10 each.

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