The Morhabadi Ground turned into street food zone on Friday as quite a number of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) including the street vendors came together for a mega event. From ‘Dhuskas’, ‘Pittha’, ‘Dumbu’ to ‘Malai ice-cream’, ‘Tandoori Tea’, ‘Masala Egg’, ‘Bhel-Chat’, fried ‘momos’, the wafting smell of authentic tribal cuisines and street food caught the attention of the passers-by as soon as the much awaited Street Food Festival was inaugurated there amid much fanfare.
In the first of its kind attempt, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) in association with Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) and Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has come up with the concept of ‘Street Food Fest’ on the lines of food festivals organised annually in the big cities.
The joint venture being organised for the first time here under ‘Urban Prosperity Fest’ in support of different organisations has as many as 80 varieties of street food stalls under one roof. Besides, the food stalls, stands of several government schemes have been also set up on the spot for the leisure buffs.
The dignitaries present on the occasion urged to the participants to utilise the platform meant to promote their skills. “Bringing prosperity in the lives of the economically weaker groups is the priority of the State government. Through such events, the State government attempts to eradicate disparities which still exist in the society. Keeping PM Narendra Modi’s vision, different programmes are being organised in four cities under ‘Urban Prosperity Fest’,” said Minister, Department of Urban Development, Housing and Planning, CP Singh.
Further, the Minister urged to the participants to take initiatives from their level to popularise different ongoing government schemes. Singh emphasised on speedy completion of urban development projects ensuring quality and quantity. Also, on the occasion, the Minister announced the inauguration of AMRUT scheme at Ranchi, Adityapur and Hazaribagh soon.
Mayor Asha Lakra said that this is an attempt to uplift the lives of poor and popularise the work of SHGs among urban populace in a more elaborate way. Mentioning about the schedule, Sanjiv Vijayawargia, Deputy Mayor said that the event is not only confined to merely food stalls but has different competitions including a few cultural events enfolded with it.
The three day event will continue till February 17. The programme which aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households through building strong grassroots level institutions of the poor is being managed by two different sub-committees.
Four members of the Town Vending Committee (TVC) including the SHGs associated with (DAY-NULM) venture have been included for this prime venture.
With the assistance of TVC members, the list of street food sellers, SHGs has been prepared.
As many as 20 stalls put up at the venue are of the other hoteliers/ eatery owners operating independently in the State Capital.