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This scheme provides nutritious and affordable food to the needy while empowering women's self-help groups with income-generating Read More... opportunities by running subsidized canteens. Read less

Details

The Indira Amma Bhojanalaya scheme is a thoughtful initiative by the Government of Uttarakhand, aiming to serve delicious and healthy meals at pocket-friendly prices. Launched by the Rural Development Department, it has a dual purpose: to ensure that everyone, especially the poor and vulnerable, has access to good food, and to give a financial boost to women's self-help groups (SHGs).

What Is This Scheme?

Indira Amma Bhojanalaya is essentially a network of canteens set up across Uttarakhand. These canteens are managed and run by women's self-help groups, with the government providing support to keep food prices low. The idea is to create a sustainable livelihood for these groups while making quality food accessible to all.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The primary beneficiaries are individuals seeking affordable and nutritious meals. This includes people from lower-income groups, labourers, students, and anyone who finds it difficult to afford daily meals. Additionally, women who are part of registered self-help groups get a chance to earn a stable income by operating these canteens.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme addresses two key areas: food security and women's economic independence. By providing meals at subsidized rates, it helps combat hunger and malnutrition. Simultaneously, it empowers women by offering them a reliable source of income, strengthening their financial autonomy and contributing to their families' well-being. The scheme is designed to be a win-win for both the community and the participating women's groups.

Objective

This scheme provides nutritious and affordable food to the needy while empowering women's self-help groups with income-generating opportunities by running subsidized canteens.

Benefits

Rental Charges:

Single Bedrooms:Not exceeding 15% of total emoluments/gross salary.
Double Bedrooms:Not exceeding 10% of total emoluments/gross salary.
Dormitories:Not exceeding 7.5% of total emoluments/gross salary.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to run an Indira Amma Bhojanalaya canteen, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) must meet the following:

You must be a women's Self-Help Group (SHG) formed following the guidelines of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
Your SHG must be actively functioning and should have received the minimum Revolving Fund (RF). This could be under the old SGSY scheme or directly from NRLM if not covered by SGSY before.
In urban areas, SHGs registered under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) can also apply. The Rural Development Department provides grants to support these groups.

Important Notes:

Record Keeping: SHGs must maintain accurate records of all beneficiaries, including their names and addresses. This ensures transparency and proper utilization of government support.
Priority: Preference will be given to SHGs that have received the Community Investment Fund (CIF) or have a Micro Credit Plan specifically for running an Indira Amma Canteen.
Tenure in Municipal Corporations: Canteens in Municipal Corporation areas can operate for a maximum of 1 year. After this, they must wait for 2 years before becoming eligible to operate again.
Tenure Elsewhere: For canteens in other institutions or offices (outside Municipal Corporation areas), the operation tenure is a maximum of 2 years. After this, a gap of 4 years is required before re-eligibility.

How To Apply

Women's Self-Help Groups interested in operating an Indira Amma Bhojanalaya canteen should follow these steps:

Contact your local Rural Development Department or Urban Development Authority office.
Obtain the application form or proposal format for opening a canteen.
Fill out the form completely, providing all required details about your SHG.
Submit the completed application along with the necessary documents to the office of the Chief Development Officer (CDO) at the district headquarters.

Note: The specific application link or offline submission address can be found through official government channels or by visiting the district administration offices.

Documents Required

Selected Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will need to provide the following documents:

Bank Account Number of the SHG
MIS Number of the SHG
Copy of the SHG's Passbook
Photocopy of the SHG's Proposal for Opening the Canteen
Photographs of All Group Members
Daily Register (to be maintained during operation, recording customer names, addresses, and mobile numbers)
Stock Register (to be maintained during operation)
Cashbook (to be maintained during operation)

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the Indira Amma Bhojanalaya scheme?

The primary aims are to offer nutritious food at affordable prices to the poor and needy, and to help women's self-help groups earn a stable income by running these canteens.

How does the scheme empower women in rural Uttarakhand?

It empowers women by providing their self-help groups with a direct opportunity to manage and operate the canteens, creating ongoing employment and financial independence for the members.

What is the consumer price for a meal plate in Uttarakhand's hilly regions under this scheme?

Consumers in the hilly districts will pay ₹25 for each meal plate at Indira Amma Bhojanalaya canteens.

What is the cost of a meal plate for consumers in plain districts like Dehradun?

In plain districts, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital, a meal plate is priced at ₹20 for the consumer.

How much financial support does the State Government provide per meal, and which department is responsible for it?

The State Government provides a subsidy of ₹10 for every meal plate. The entire cost of this subsidy is borne by the Rural Development Department.

Can the subsidy amount be changed in the future?

Yes, the State Government reserves the right to adjust future subsidies based on the annual income and profits of each canteen. A committee led by the District Magistrate will decide this.

Who is in charge of overseeing the Indira Amma Canteens at the district level?

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) of each district is responsible for the overall supervision, control, and smooth operation of the Indira Amma Canteens.

Where are these canteens usually located within a district?

Indira Amma Canteens are typically established at the headquarters of every district in Uttarakhand.

Who provides the space and basic facilities like furniture for the canteens?

Urban Development Authorities, Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Panchayats are responsible for offering free space, land, furniture, and other necessary infrastructure.

Who arranges for cooking fuel, such as LPG gas, for the canteens?

The District Supply Officer is tasked with making the necessary arrangements for cooking fuel like LPG gas for the canteens.

What is the maximum number of meals that can be served daily in major districts like Dehradun?

In high-population districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar, up to 1,200 meals can be served each day.

What is the minimum revolving fund (seed money) an SHG needs to have received to be considered eligible?

An SHG must have received a minimum revolving fund of ₹15,000 to be eligible to operate a canteen.

Can self-help groups from urban areas also operate these canteens?

Yes, if permitted by the Urban Development Department and granted by the Rural Development Department, self-help groups operating under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) in urban bodies are also eligible.

What kind of details must SHGs keep for the people who eat at the canteens?

SHGs must meticulously record the names and residential addresses of all beneficiaries to ensure transparency and proper distribution of government subsidies.

Are there any rules against certain activities within the canteen premises?

Yes, the use of any intoxicants or smoking is strictly forbidden inside the Indira Amma Canteen premises.

What happens if an SHG does not keep proper financial records for the canteen?

Failure to maintain clear records of income and expenditure will lead to the termination of the canteen's operation. This rule applies to all currently operating canteens as well.