‘Indira Canteens must consider decentralised kitchens, more nutritious menu’ Premium

Amending the National Food Security Act to include State government-run canteens could save them from the apathy of changing governments, says Prof Reetika Khera, economist and professor at IIT-Delhi, who surveyed Indira Canteens as part of her research on government-run community kitchens.

Indira canteens, started in 2017 to supply food at subsidised prices, was one of the most popular schemes during Siddaramaiah’s first tenure as Karnataka chief minister. However, as the ruling parties changed in the following years, the canteens too fell into neglect. Reeling from severe fund shortage, the food quality at the canteens dropped. All the mobile canteens in Bengaluru shut shop due to lack of patronage. At a point, even the water supply was disconnected owing to nonpayment of bills.

With the Siddaramaiah government coming into power again in 2023, there was much anticipation around the revival of Indira canteens. However, any major initiative is yet to be see in that direction.

Reetika Khera, economist and professor at IIT-Delhi, surveyed Indira Canteens in December as part of her research on government-run community kitchens including Indira Canteens, Amma Unavagams in Tamil Nadu and Indira Rasois (now renamed to Annapoorna Rasoi) in Rajasthan. In an email interview with The Hindu, she shared her observations on Indira Canteens and the importance of such initiatives.