Karnataka to run the 'Anna' line; Now, get Idli, Vada at Rs 5

Bengaluru, Feb 4: Karnataka has finally started caring for its hungry and the poor. On the lines of 'Amma' canteen in Tamil Nadu, the state too has started the 'Anna' food outlet that will serve hot idlis, upma and rice at just Rs 5.

Proposed by the Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board C.M. Ibrahim, the food chain will start similar low-priced food outlets.

In a press meet, he said that the estimated food programme will cost the exchequer Rs 60 crore a year. For Rs 5, one can get upma, spiced rice (chitranna and puliyogare ) and curd rice and the canteens will be open from 6 am to 11 pm. Ibrahim said,"The board hopes the government will include the Anna [outlets] plan in this month's Budget proposal." He further added,"The programme can be started as a pilot project with 20 outlets in Bengaluru. Bigger cities like Mangaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Kalaburagi can follow."

The outlets are likely to come up near hospitals, government schools and bus stands. However, the best part is, apart from quelling the hunger of the people, the canteens are likely to create 2,000 jobs.

Ibrahim said,"We are yet to finalise the implementing agency - which could be the Food and Civil Supplies Department, the Health Department or the BBMP in Bengaluru and its counterpart in other cities."

OneIndia News