Latest news with #IndiraCanteen
Hans India
06-08-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Rs 20-crore outlay proposed by BBMP for 52 new Indira canteens
Bengaluru: Despite criticism over its failure to properly maintain the existing network of Indira Canteens, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is now moving ahead with a plan to construct 52 new canteens at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore. Originally envisioned in 2017 as a food security initiative for the urban poor, the Indira Canteen scheme aimed to establish one canteen in each of Bengaluru's 198 wards. Due to space constraints, 174 permanent and 24 mobile canteens were launched. Currently, only around 160 of them are operational. The poor management of these existing canteens—ranging from unpaid bills to shut-downs—has drawn the ire of citizens. However, following the expansion of BBMP wards from 198 to 225, the state government has directed the civic body to extend the canteen service to the newly created wards as well. Responding to this, BBMP has identified sites and initiated the tender process for the construction of 52 new Indira Canteens. According to officials, the technical qualification phase of the tender evaluation has been completed, and the financial bids will be reviewed next week. Once the process is finalized, work orders will be issued to the selected contractors to begin construction. The move, however, has sparked criticism from the public. Many question the logic behind building more canteens when the BBMP has failed to maintain the current ones. Citizens argue that instead of investing in additional canteens, the government should focus on improving basic infrastructure in government schools or upgrading existing public amenities. Most of the proposed sites for the new canteens have already been identified, with around 10 to 12 locations pending finalization. While the intention may be to expand food access, the public sentiment clearly leans toward prioritizing more pressing developmental needs over expanding a scheme that has already faced operational setbacks.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
DC inspects Mandya municipal council and directs for timely resolution of grievances
Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara paid a surprise visit to the Mandya City Municipal Council and conducted a detailed inspection of its functioning. During the visit, he interacted with members of the public present at the municipal office and received several complaints. He instructed officials to examine these grievances and ensure their resolution within the stipulated timeframe, strictly adhering to the rules. Kumara inspected the revenue section and reviewed the status of issuing A khata and B khata documents. Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow progress, he directed officials to launch a week-long ward-wise e-khata drive and create widespread awareness among citizens regarding the initiative. He also assessed the quality of food being served at the Indira Canteen and emphasised the need to maintain hygiene and standards. Stressing the importance of timely service delivery, he reiterated that all services under the Sakala scheme must be provided within the mandated timeframe. The DC further instructed that appropriate action be taken to expedite the disposal of cases pending in court. He also sought a comprehensive report in the prescribed format regarding the newly constructed market complex by the municipal council. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Kumara convened a review meeting with the project director, executive engineers, the municipal commissioner, and other officials. He urged them to deliver essential civic services in a timely, transparent, and rule-based manner, reaffirming the administration's commitment to good governance.
Hans India
11-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
BBMP to spend Rs 2.88 crore on stray dog feeding project
Bengaluru: In a first-of-its-kind move, the government, which has long supported the Indira Canteen initiative to feed the urban poor, is now extending its compassion to Bengaluru's stray dog population. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced a new project to provide nutritious meals to stray dogs across its 8 zones and has floated a tender worth Rs 2.88 crore. BBMP Special Commissioner Vikas Kishore Suralkar stated that the initiative aims to reduce stray dog attacks, especially on children, by ensuring that the animals are well-fed. He added that pilot programs conducted in a few wards have shown promising results. In these test runs, meals were provided to around 100 dogs over a period of 2–3 months, helping curb aggressive behaviour. The BBMP plans to serve calorie-rich meals such as egg rice and chicken rice to stray dogs. These meals will be distributed in collaboration with local restaurants and food providers. According to the tender notice issued via the Karnataka Public Procurement Portal, proposals are being invited to provide cooked food to stray dogs across all 8 BBMP zones. The contract will initially run for one year on an outsourcing basis, with a possibility of extension for another year depending on service quality and results, as decided by the BBMP Chief Commissioner. All service providers registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are eligible to participate in the bidding process. A detailed menu has already been prepared, ensuring that each meal provides between 700 to 750 calories. Bidders are required to maintain a kitchen within BBMP limits and select feeding locations for dogs in consultation with BBMP volunteers. Post-distribution, they must clean the feeding area and submit a report detailing the number of dogs fed and the food served. The BBMP emphasized that the initiative is not just about animal welfare, but also about public safety, aiming to reduce conflicts between humans and stray animals by addressing the root cause—hunger. This innovative project is expected to stir both debate and interest as Bengaluru continues to explore humane ways of managing its growing stray dog population.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Breakfast added to the menu, as Annapurna canteens are rechristened ‘Indira Canteens'
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation is revamping the 'Annapurna Scheme' which offers meals for ₹5 per plate, by renaming the centres as 'Indira Canteen' and introducing breakfast too at the same price. GHMC Standing Committee accorded its stamp of approval to the proposal, among 22 others, during its meeting on Thursday. The proposal also includes renovation of existing structures at the 11 locations of permanent seating, and building structures at 139 new locations. A proposal to name the second level flyover at Gachibowli Junction after Congress party leader Reddy too has passed through. Among several city beautification and development proposals, the committee also cleared one to establish a 'Hyderabad Sculpture Park' around the walk way of the KBR National Park, in partnership with the Krishnakriti Foundation, besides seeking approval for license fee for kayaking facility to be started at Durgam Cheruvu by the Hyderabad Yacht Club. The corporation has got clearance to bring the defunct toilets across the circles into use, by inviting Expression of Interest for refurbishing and reuse of the toilets to operated under Build-Operate-Transfer mode, by charging per use. The tenders for the same will be called and finalised at zonal level. Also approved was another proposal to alienate land to the extent of over six acres for establishment of National Centre for Disease Control at Nacharam. The committee accorded approval for utilising the services of the 156 outsourcing drivers and labourers repatriated from the HYDRAA by redeploying them as security guards in GHMC parks. A total 22 proposals were cleared by the committee, including several for laying stormwater drains and sewage diversion, besides public auction of model market buildings.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Title deeds distributed in Byndoor
Udupi: The Congress-led state govt is working with dedication by formulating programmes that focus on the welfare of common citizens, said women and child development minister and Udupi district minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. She was speaking at a programme organised in Byndoor assembly constituency to distribute title deeds under 94C to eligible beneficiaries and provide various govt benefits. She assured complete support for the district's development and called for collective efforts to develop the constituency. The minister praised the cooperation between former MLA Gopal Poojary and current MLA Gururaj Gantihole, stating that both are working together for the development of the constituency without political bias. "This is the kind of commitment politicians should have," she said. "Udupi is a district of intellectuals. Officials often hesitate before taking up postings here. I feel blessed to be given charge of Udupi district. It is as if Lord Krishna has showered his blessings on me," she said. Referring to the Indira Canteen , she said it was launched with the aim of providing nutritious food at affordable prices to the poor. Inaugurating the canteen, she said, "The govt is ensuring that people can fill their stomachs with just Rs 5 for breakfast and Rs 10 for lunch." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo She recalled that during Siddaramaiah's previous tenure, the govt implemented schemes like regularising unauthorised land and launching people-centric programmes. "We made the most of the opportunities we got. Politics is not a shortcut; serving people is akin to serving God. We are setting aside personal agendas to fulfil our responsibilities as public representatives," she said. Marking 50 years since the launch of anganwadi centres, which were started by Indira Gandhi, she announced a large-scale celebration to be held on October 2. Meanwhile, after inaugurating the canteen, the minister noticed students standing in line to greet her while she was leaving. She stepped out of her vehicle, invited them into the canteen, and instructed the staff to serve them food. When some students approached her for a selfie, she gently led them by the hand into the canteen and insisted they eat first. MLA Gururaj Shetty Gantihole, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, former MLA Gopal Poojary, District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee chairman Ashok Kodavoor and deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK were present.
