Bhatkal: Bhatkal on Sunday got its second Indira Canteen with the inauguration of a new outlet at Azad Nagar, near the Rural Police Station. The canteen was inaugurated by Karnataka Minister for Ports, Fisheries and Inland Water Transport, Uttara Kannada District In-charge Minister and Bhatkal MLA, Mankal S. Vaidya.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Vaidya said the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the Indira Canteen scheme with the objective of providing affordable food to the hungry and employment opportunities to the unemployed. He said more than 600 Indira Canteens are currently functioning across Karnataka.
The newly inaugurated canteen has been set up with the cooperation of the Uttara Kannada district administration, the Urban Development Department, the Directorate of Municipal Administration and the Jali Pattan Panchayat. Under the scheme, breakfast will be served at ₹5 and full meals at ₹10, ensuring nutritious and affordable food for the urban poor, daily wage earners and the needy.
Emphasising the importance of good nutrition, the minister said a balanced and quality diet is essential for maintaining good health. “Only a healthy individual can work efficiently and achieve success. Keeping this in mind, the government has implemented the Indira Canteen scheme. The guarantee schemes of the government are aimed at ensuring peace, happiness and social security for the people,” he said.
State budget to cross ₹4 lakh crore
Minister Vaidya said that while the government is allocating substantial funds for guarantee schemes, it has not neglected development works. He informed that the state budget this year is expected to cross ₹4 lakh crore. Priority has been given to housing and road construction, and efforts are underway to provide houses to around 700 economically weaker families within Bhatkal town limits.
However, he noted that objections raised over the land identified for the housing project have led to the matter being taken to court, resulting in a slight delay in construction. He assured that all issues would be resolved in due course.
On the occasion, Jali Pattn Panchayat Vice-President Advocate Imran Lanka highlighted the need for a multi-specialty hospital in Bhatkal and urged the government to allot land to families who have been residing for decades on encroached lands.
The programme was attended by Jali Pattan Panchayat President Afsha Qaziya, Standing Committee Chairman Ishwar Moger, Bhatkal Taluk Guarantee Scheme Committee President Raju Naik, along with several town panchayat members.
It may be recalled that the first Indira Canteen in Bhatkal was inaugurated on Hospital Road in 2017 and has since benefited hundreds of daily wage workers. With the opening of the Azad Nagar outlet, Bhatkal now has two Indira Canteens.
Chief Officer Manjappa welcomed the guests and delivered the introductory address, while Narayan Naik proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by teacher Narayan Naik.