Latest news with #Samridhi
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Samridhi@Kochi diversifies operations with canteen vertical
Four years after its introduction as part of a State government-backed hunger-free project, Samridhi@Kochi, a budget eatery run jointly by the Kochi Corporation and the Ernakulam district mission of the Kudumbashree, is all set to further diversify and establish itself as a brand in running canteens. The inauguration of its canteen at the Greater Cochin Development Authority office here on Monday was the first step in that direction. Samridhi@Kochi has already been offering catering services, including at fairs and functions organised by the State government. 'The idea is to introduce the canteen model, and going forward, we expect to get more inquiries in this vertical,' said P.A. Ajith, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree (Micro Enterprises). Kochi, being a commercial hub and home to numerous offices, Kudumbashree remains confident that the brand Samridhi will be able to make quick strides. Having a central kitchen at the Samridhi@Kochi budget hotel near the North railway station also helps. The introduction of the canteen vertical is expected to add another 20 to 25 jobs to Samridhi's 110-strong current workforce. Women associated with Samridhi get a minimum monthly pay of ₹20,000, which touches the ₹40,000- ₹45,000 range based on various grades and allowances. Samridhi's diversification is not restricted to the canteen service alone. 'We are in talks with the Railway to sell Samridhi-branded food inside the South and North railway stations and trains, besides putting up kiosks outside these stations. We are also exploring the scope of accepting online-based orders and even door delivery of food,' said Mr. Ajith. When Samridhi@Kochi started in 2021, it offered meals for ₹10 with the State government offering another ₹10 as a subsidy. Though the government stopped that subsidy in August 2023, meals continue to be effectively sold for ₹20, notwithstanding the surge in the prices of essential items since then. This has been made possible by including more items in the menu at reasonable prices and thus facilitating cross-subsidy. Samridhi@Kochi sells 2,500 to 3,000 meals a day and is now open around the clock. The basic principle is to offer quality food at reasonable prices while generating jobs with decent income.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Samridhi@Kochi canteen to be opened at GDCA headquarters in Kadavanthra
K ochi: Taking a cue from the success of Samridhi@Kochi canteen, operated by Kochi corporation and Kudumbashree, GCDA will also replicate it at its headquarters in Kadavanthra. Mayor M Anilkumar will inaugurate the new outlet on GCDA premises on Monday. The first canteen unit of Samridhi@Kochi, which provides food to public at a subsidized rate, has been successfully functioning at Ernakulam North. The project was initiated with the motto 'hunger-free city', under the joint leadership of Kochi corporation and district Kudumbashree mission. The project aims to provide quality and tasty food at affordable prices while also offering a livelihood to a group of Kudumbashree workers. Main attraction of the canteen is the traditional dishes prepared using locally available ingredients in hygienic conditions. Samridhi@Kochi has gained significant popularity in various parts of the city, officials associated with the project said. "Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea and coffee will all be available at the new canteen at very reasonable prices," said a GCDA official. "Development of a city is not limited to construction of buildings and roads. It also includes social and economic upliftment of its people. This collaboration with Samridhi, which combines women's empowerment and social commitment, is a crucial step by GCDA towards that goal," GCDA chairman K Chandran Pillai said.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi corporation to launch second Samridhi outlet in Kadavanthra soon
KOCHI: Following the success of Samridhi@Kochi, an initiative that provides meals for Rs 20, the Kochi corporation is set to expand the project. Samridhi@Kadavanthra, the second outlet, will be launched next week in collaboration with the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). The new outlet will be open from 7am to 10.30pm. 'The second outlet will be opened to the public in Kadavanthra. We are also holding discussions with agencies to establish two more outlets, in Fort Kochi and Palluruthy,' Mayor M Anilkumar said. According to an official with the corporation, the new outlet will follow the same model as Samridhi@Kochi and is being set up in the building owned by GCDA. 'The price, facilities and the menu will be the same. Also, we are associating with the Kudumbashree to appoint staff for the new outlet. Staff will be appointed only after interviews and other training programmes,' the official said. In the initial stage, the facility aims to cater to working groups and common people in the Kadavanthra area. Anilkumar said the Samridhi success story is set to continue. Aiming to transform Kochi into a hunger-free city, the Kochi corporation, in the 2025-26 budget, has allocated `2 crore to set up Samridhi hotels in Fort Kochi and Palluruthy.
