Chief Minister Harish Rawat inaugurated Indira Amma Bhojanalya near Collectorate in Pauri on Thursday to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indra Gandhi. Prior to this, the CM paid tribute to Indra Gandhi by garlanding her photograph in the canteen premises. He also garlanded the statue of HN Bahuguna.
Rawat said that Indra Amma Bhojnalaya having proved popular in Dehradun has inspired them to spread it to other parts of the State. “The objective behind it is to provide cheap and nutritious food to the people of both the mountainous and the plain areas of Uttarakhand. The chain of such canteens would not just help the tourists and the residents of the state to have a taste of the food being served there but would help the process of the women’s empowerment,” he said.
Earlier on Independence Day, Chief Minister had announced that such canteens would be opened across 13 districts of the state after inaugurating the first one in Dehradun.
The women of Badri Swayam Sahayata Smuh Boonsari based in Pauri Block have been entrusted with the responsibility of running the canteen. The vegetables will be provided by Unnat Swayam Sahayata Smuh, Bhitayee Malli to the canteen. In addition, the foodgrains grown in the hills will be sold by Gaad ka Mar Gaon Samuh near the Bhojanalyya premises.
In Haridwar, state finance minister Indira Hridayesh inaugurated Indira Amma Bhojan Yojana at Roshanabad. “This scheme will not only help those with limited resources get a nutritious and full meal at affordable rates but is also aimed at popularising the native dishes of the state,” she said. She stressed on healthy, zero- oil food which is good for health to be served at these canteens. Notably, a self- help group Swati Swayam Sahayata Samooh has been assigned the task of running the facility. She suggested the group to take loans from the banks and also exhorted the banks to arrange camps for the propagation of the scheme and marketing activities. loan up to Rs one lakh could be given without the guarantee, suggested the minister.
She also stated that a committee would be formed under the city development officer to monitor the performance of such canteens. The parameters of cleanliness, hygiene and quality in food shall be regularly monitored and maintained, the minister said, adding that the state government is serious over the scheme.