The State Government’s much-hyped Aahar scheme to provide lunch at Rs 5 in five urban centres from April 1, the Utkal Divas, has hit hurdles as two sponsors have backed out from extending financial support to the subsidised food programme.
The Mahanadi Coalfields limited’s (MCl) decision to pull out of the scheme seems had its ripple effect on the National Aluminium Company (Nalco) and the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) as these two Central PSUs too have declined to contribute to the scheme. Taken aback by the pullouts, a series of meetings were held through the day on Saturday at the Naveen Niwas, the residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, to ascertain the reasons behind the PSUs’ withdrawal and prepare roadmap for launching the Aahar from April 1.
An official of the Urban Development Department said without wishing to be named, “The Government will launch the Aahar scheme on the scheduled date despite hiccups. An agreement has been signed with the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) to provide fund for the scheme in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Besides, we have roped in the State-run Idco and the Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) for running the scheme in Sambalpur and Rourkela, respectively. As it was decided earlier, the Tata Steel will lend its support for Brahmapur.” Many private companies have evinced interest to participate in the Aahar scheme and the Government is examining the proposals, the official added.
After the MCl’s decision to withdraw from the scheme on Thursday, ruling BJD leaders have launched a veiled attack on a Central BJP Minister from the State alleging that he exerted pressure on the company to opt out of the scheme. The Central PSUs backing out after entering into agreement is unfortunate, BJP spokesperson Samir Das said on Saturday.
As per the Government’s decision, four outlets in each city would be set up at bus-stands, railway stations and hospitals in the five cities which would remain open between 11 am and 3 pm to cater to 4,000 poor people’s lunch every day. An amount of Rs 20 would be spent on each meal of which Rs 15 would be borne by corporates from their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds.