Bengaluru: Along with the launch of “Indira Canteens” to offer quality food at subsidised rates on the lines of “Amma Canteens” in Tamil Nadu, the State Government has decided to provide subsidised food at all government hospitals for poor and middle class patients and their attendants.

While the “Indira Canteens” are set to be launched on August 15 this year, the project to offer subsidised food at government hospitals will be launched in June. As per the proposal, the government intends to distribute breakfast for Rs 5 and lunch for Rs. 10 at these canteens.

It may be recalled that three months back, Health Minister K.R. Ramesh Kumar had announced the setting up of cafeterias in district and taluk government hospitals to serve food at subsidised rates for patients, attendants and D-group employees. He had said that the subsidised cafeterias would be set up in co-ordination with the Food and Civil Supplies Department and Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL).

The government has now asked Health, Food and Civil Supplies, and Women and Child Welfare Ministries to take responsibility of the project and has directed them to finalise tender process by May 31. Everyday, over 1,000 breakfasts and lunch will be served under the scheme and preference will be given to Women Self Help Groups, widows, physically challenged and NGOs to run the canteens.

Sources said as canteens in district hospitals will be allotted through tendering, the agencies will be allowed to continue till their tender period lapses. The immediate plan now is to setup subsidised cafeterias in the 144 taluk hospitals. Land has been identified in the taluk hospitals, and the eateries will be constructed using fast-track technology said government sources.

As per the proposal, the government will provide the building, power, and water for the cafeterias. The Food and Civil Supplies Department will provide food grains and groceries at subsidised rates.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT

Food variety       Quantity

1 Idli                     60 grams

One rice item      250 grams

Rice, Sambar      300 grams

Rice, Rasam        300 grams

2 Chapathis, dal, curry