Rajasthan launches Amma canteen-type meal scheme

Jaipur: On the lines of Amma canteens, the Rajasthan government has launched a subsidised meal scheme in which the poor and the needy will get breakfast for Rs 5 and lunch or dinner for Rs 8.

'Annapurna Rasoi' was launched by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje at the Jaipur Municipal Corporation campus yesterday by feeding a Dalit and a Gurjar woman.

The scheme will be in 12 cities initially and introduced across the state later.

Breakfast will include Poha, Upma, Sevaiyan, Idli Sambhar, Jwar Khichda, Bazra Khichada etc. While one can have Dal-chawal, Churma, Dal-dhokli and other items for lunch or dinner.

"Quality meals will be provided through special vans so that needy people get nutritious food, which will also have variety," a statement quoting the chief minister said.

The meal will be cooked and served by trained staff in 80 vans in the 12 cities.

"We are planning to introduce the scheme in all the urban areas of the state in next 6 months," UDH Minister Srichand Kriplani said.

Manjeet Singh, Principal Secretary Local Self Department, said the cost of a breakfast is Rs 21.70 and Rs 23.70 for lunch or dinner.

"The government will have to bear a financial burden of Rs 10 crore for 12 cities as the financial gap whereas this gap will be approximately 40 crore if the scheme covers all the urban areas of the state," he said.

Initially, the scheme has been launched in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Baran, Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh and Jhalawar.

Late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa had launched 'Amma canteens' that offer breakfast, lunch and dinner at highly subsidised rates.