Latest news with #IndiraCanteens
Hans India
6 days ago
- 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.
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
DKS announces formation of five new municipal corporations
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar announced that the government will soon form five new municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and conduct elections at the earliest. Speaking at the Guarantee Implementation Committee's state-level convention at the Bharat Jodo Bhavan (KPCC headquarters), Shivakumar said a committee headed by MLA Rizwan Arshad is already working on the GBA structure. 'Despite possible public criticism, this reorganisation is necessary for better governance. The newly formed corporations will also ensure more recognition and opportunities for our grassroots party workers,' he said. Shivakumar highlighted the government's commitment to social welfare by allocating ₹1 lakh crore for various public benefit schemes. Of this, ₹50,000 crore goes toward the five guarantee schemes, ₹19,000 crore for free electricity to farmers' pump sets, and ₹11,000 crore for pensions. 'We are spending nearly 25% of the state's budget on athe welfare of the poor and the marginalized. It is your responsibility to make the public aware of these contributions,' he urged party members. He emphasized that Congress' welfare legacy is unparalleled: 'From land rights and food security to NREGA, Indira Canteens, and midday meals—these are Congress' contributions to the people of India. No one can erase them.' Shivakumar said Guarantee Committees are not just symbolic but are the government's grassroots voice. 'You are not just workers; you are the government's face in the public. You have been given IDs and offices. Even though the opposition tried to undermine your role in the Assembly, we stood firm.' He praised the committee members for their strong fieldwork. 'You have unsettled the opposition with your performance. I will meet guarantee committee members from all constituencies soon. You are not here just for politics—you are here for transformation.' Shivakumar also announced a new program to deliver property records to residents' doorsteps. 'Many property owners don't even know under whose name their asset is registered. We've begun addressing this by correcting land records. Thousands of volunteers in Krishna Byre Gowda's constituency have already helped locals apply for record corrections.' He urged party workers to conduct 'Guarantee Sabha' meetings at ward and panchayat levels to energize cadres and improve engagement with citizens. 'We are committed to implementing 33% political reservation for women. Once implemented, Karnataka will see 75 women MLAs. We've already provided 50% reservation in local bodies. Women who toil for the party deserve recognition,' he declared. He added that Rahul Gandhi has emphasized grassroots leadership development. 'We are planning to reintroduce student union elections in colleges. For dedicated workers, positions and respect will come in time.' 'You must win all five upcoming civic polls DCM Shivakumar stressed that the Guarantee Committees must not be limited to just the five welfare schemes but must represent the entire government. 'Take our initiatives, like the land records drive, door to door. Win the hearts of the people. You must ensure Congress wins all five new corporations in the upcoming civic elections.' He criticized the opposition for targeting guarantee schemes: 'Ironically, Mangaluru—which gave us fewer votes—has more beneficiaries than other areas. I challenged opposition leaders to send us letters from those rejecting guarantee benefits. They are criticizing the very schemes they benefit from.' He added, 'Our work will remain. Their criticisms will fade.' When asked about BJP MP Tejasvi Surya's allegations of corruption in the tunnel road project, Shivakumar responded firmly: 'Tunnel roads are being constructed in Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities. Why the opposition only in Bengaluru? He will get his reply in due time. BJP has always stood against development. What have they given to Bengaluru? Nothing.' Responding to accusations that the metro DPR was duplicated for tunnel road, Shivakumar said: 'I won't respond to such baseless allegations. The metro is Congress' contribution to the city.' This statement by DK Shivakumar comes as the Congress government attempts to decentralize administration in Bengaluru while simultaneously empowering party workers and promoting its flagship guarantee.
New Indian Express
28-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Telangana BJP chief Subhash slams government for changing name of Annapurna Canteens
HYDERABAD: Strongly opposing the state government's decision to rename the popular Annapurna Canteens as Indira Canteens, the BJP state unit termed it a 'politically motivated' one. Criticising the decision, BJP state chief spokesperson NV Subhash said: 'Annapurna is not just a name. It symbolises Goddess Annapurna, the divine mother who nourishes the world. To replace such a sacred name with that of a political leader, and that too Indira Gandhi, whose regime imposed the Emergency — the darkest chapter of Indian democracy — is nothing short of an insult to Hindu traditions and collective national memory.' In a press statement issued here, Subhash called the government's decision an 'unwarranted, insensitive and politically motivated' move and a direct affront to the sentiments of the Hindu majority, and yet another attempt to erase cultural symbols deeply rooted in India's civilisational identity.
New Indian Express
28-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
BBMP marshals without salary for last three months
BENGALURU: BBMP marshals deployed at lake security and supervision wing, ward monitoring and Indira Canteens are working without salaries since March. The situation has arisen after Bangalore Solid Waste Management Limited was carved out of BBMP for garbage management. Their salaries are usually given through the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Society and each marshal is paid Rs 17,500 monthly. 'Supervisors say the delay is due to a set of procedures. Earlier, the amount was given to the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Society towards payments from BBMP. Now the files have to be cleared from BWSML to ward marshals. Similarly around 250 marshals will have to be paid after file clearance from Forest Wing and lastly, the Health Department of BBMP has to clear files related to marshals deployed at Indira Canteens. All these procedures take time and hence delay, as per the supervisors,' a marshal said. The municipality has cleared the payment of March related to ward marshals, however, their salaries are due since April. Similarly, the salaries of marshals under the jurisdiction of the lake and health departments are yet to be cleared since March, clarified a senior official. 'We have around 200 marshals in BBMP health department looking after the Indira Canteen security. The Medical Health Officer (MHO), who is authorised to clear the payment related file, has been transferred to another place in BBMP and a note has been sent to the Special Commissioner for Health in BBMP seeking the approval to allow the official to clear the payments. Once it is done, the salaries will be released,' said a senior official. The BBMP marshals said they had to borrow money from relatives and friends to fill petrol in bikes and come to work and running a home without a regular salary would push them to the brink.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Minister inaugurates new municipal office building in Kushalnagar
Madikeri: Municipal administration minister Rahim Khan inaugurated the newly constructed municipal office building in Kushalnagar on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, the minister announced that chief minister Siddaramaiah has sanctioned Rs 50 crore for various projects in Madikeri assembly constituency. The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 7 crore. The minister acknowledged MLA Manthar Gowda's efforts in securing phased funding for development works. "The municipal administration department pledged its support. Three additional Indira Canteens commenced operations in Madikeri assembly constituency, aiming to serve breakfast and lunch to 300-500 people daily," he said. He highlighted Kushalnagar municipality's achievement in constructing the new building with its own resources. Manthar Gowda noted the spaciousness of the building and discussed the possibility of Kushalnagar's elevation to city municipal status. He proposed erecting a statue of former chief minister R Gundurao within the premises, acknowledging his contributions to Kushalnagar's development. The MLA emphasised maintaining Kushalnagar's development progress while ensuring public service delivery. He mentioned the potential inclusion of Guddehosur gram panchayat into the municipality. VP Shashidhar, president of the Guarantee Scheme Taluk Implementation Committee; DC Venkat Raja, and municipal members were present. The minister inspected the Indira Canteen at the KSRTC bus stand. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
