Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has introduced a key promise in its local body election manifesto that draws direct inspiration from the Congress-run government in Karnataka, announcing plans to establish improved canteens, modeled after the successful ‘Indira Canteen’ scheme, to provide food at minimal rates across Kerala.
This move marks a significant ‘Karnataka Touch’ to the UDF’s developmental agenda, aiming to tackle food insecurity among the poor and floating population in the state.
Subsidized Meals for the Needy
The announcement directly references the Indira Canteen scheme, which was first launched by the Congress government in Karnataka. The canteens are designed to cater to the poorest sections of society, including daily wage laborers, students, hospital attendees, and the floating population, who often find hotel food unaffordable.
The model offers highly subsidized meals:
- Breakfast at ₹5 per plate.
- Lunch and Dinner at ₹10 per plate each.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah first opened the canteens in 2017. He emphasized that the initiative was aimed at providing food and satisfying the hunger of people who might otherwise go to work hungry. Although the network faced neglect after the Congress lost power in 2018, the party began strengthening the scheme again after returning to power in 2023.
By adopting this proven model, the UDF intends to replicate its success at the local self-government level in Kerala, ensuring that affordable and wholesome food is accessible to all residents.
