The controversial Rs 5-lunch scheme, Aahar, for urban poor announced by the State Government would begin in five cities, including Cuttack, from April 1. A tripartite agreement to this effect was inked between the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), the Odiaha Mining Corporation and private party Touch Stone Foundation in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
CMC Deputy Mayor Ajay Barik on Tuesday told reporters here that the scheme would be carried out at four places in Cuttack where a plate of rice and Dalma would be available. “Initially, it is planned to prepare meals for 5,000 people to be available between 12 noon and 3 pm,” Barik said. Sources said the actual meal would cost around Rs 20, but it would be subsidised with financial assistance from the OMC, which is providing an assistance of Rs 54.60 lakh for the first three months. The OMC would also make another payment of Rs 60 lakh towards transportation and other expenses, sources said.