Indira Canteens to restart in a month, says BBMP special commissioner

BENGALURU: The Indira Canteens, a dream project of the previous Congress government, which had all but shut down during the BJP rule, is now set to get a new lease of life.

At his first press conference after taking oath for a second tenure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said that he had sought details about the Indira Canteens and announced that they will be revived soon. The subsidised canteens had been neglected ever since the BJP had taken over in 2019.

BBMP special commissioner Jayaram Rayapura said the quantity of breakfast will also be increased.

The Indira Canteens will now sport a new look and will be reopened in about a month’s time. The prices will also be revised. Breakfast will cost Rs 10 against the earlier Rs 5 and there will be more items on the menu. The officials have been instructed to include nutritious food and dinner will be made available based on demand.

“The Indira Canteens have been running, but were closed in some places due to lack of patronage. Also, 10 mobile canteens were closed. The wards have now increased from 198 to 243 and mobile canteens will be started. Tenders will be floated soon. We also plan to increase the quantity of the breakfast, but there is no demand for dinner. We may also have to raise prices from Rs 5 to Rs 10”, said BBMP special commissioner Jayaram Rayapura.

Of the 194 Indira Canteens, about 12-130 are in good shape, but the kitchens will need new equipment. However, the BBMP is silent on the alleged irregularities in the running of the canteens.