Atal canteens a boon for people from lower strata - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Atal canteens a boon for people from lower strata

Hindustan Times, Karnal | By, Karnal
Mar 02, 2020 10:10 PM IST

Run by self-help groups under the Haryana state rural livelihood mission, the canteen at Karnal grain market employs 15 women. The government pays them ₹15 for every plate sold.

For Satish Kumar, a vegetable vendor at Karnal’s grain market, the day begins at 7am and ends in the evening around 6pm. This usually leaves him with little time to prepare lunch for the day. Till about two months ago, his only option was to eat at nearby dhabas, which cost him about 50 per day. Even if he chose to go home for lunch, the auto ride would cost him around 40.

All that changed when the Atal Canteen came up in the grain market. Costing just 10 per plate, the canteen provides a heart meal of four chapatis, rice, dal and seasonal vegetables for lunch. Customers can also opt for laddu, salad and lassi for an additional 5.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“The canteen not helps me save 40 a day but also helps me save time. I don’t have to go outside the mandi for lunch now, which means my business is also benefitting from this,” says Kumar.

Launched by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on December 29, the canteen at Karnal grain market is first one to be opened in the state. Following this, five other canteens, including one more in Karnal, were opened in the state. The other canteens are in Panchkula, Bhiwani, Fatehabad and Nuh.

SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD

Run by self-help groups under the Haryana state rural livelihood mission, the canteen at Karnal grain market employs 15 women. The government pays them 15 for every plate sold.

The only challenge they face is that sometimes, catering to the huge demand becomes difficult. “When we started, we used to serve about 300 people a day. Now, the number has gone up to around 600 a day. It becomes difficult for us keep up the quality and speed of service,” said a worker at the canteen, on the condition of anonymity.

The customers, however, are very pleased with the service. “The quality of food is so good, we don’t have to bring lunch from home,” said a commission agent.

The only complaint they have is that it is open only for a fixed time (11am to 3pm). “The canteen should be open all through the day as it is not possible for us to buy food in the fixed hours,” said a labourer.

At the Karnal cooperative sugar mill, the canteen has evoked is a similar response. Rajesh Rani, a worker at the canteen says, “This canteen opened on February 7. We currently serve at least 400 people a day. Following the positive response, we are planning to start providing tea, breakfast and dinner too.”

THE FLIP SIDE

While the labourers are happy they are getting quality food at a reasonable rate, the private dhaba owners say their business has been hit. “This canteen has ruined our business. Now, no one comes to us for food. We only sell tea,” said a worker at Ravi Dhaba, located opposite the sugar mill.

“We cannot provide food at 10. The government should also think about the poor dhaba owners,” he added.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!

Get latest Updates of All City News along with Delhi News, Bengaluru News, Mumbai News and Top Headlines from India
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Neeraj Mohan is a correspondent, covering Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat and Yamunanagar districts of Haryana.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On