Minister Khader inaugurates 5th Indira Canteen at Pumpwell

Minister Khader inaugurates 5th Indira Canteen at Pumpwell

Mangaluru: The 5th Indira Canteen was inaugurated at Pumpwell Circle here on July 17.

Minister for Housing and Urban development U T Khader inaugurated the canteen premises by unveiling the plaque. Later he cut the ribbon and inaugurated the Indira Canteen along with other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering Minister Khader said, “Our former CM Siddaramaiah had started the Anna Bhagya scheme so that the poor of the poorest lead a decent life. When the Anna Bhagya started we insisted the then CM to have canteens in Karnataka like the Amma Canteens in Chennai. Since many labourers do not get proper food and students who come from rural areas are deprived of meals as they cannot afford the hotel food. When I suggested to set up the canteens, the CM sent me to Chennai to study the system of Amma Canteens and a three-member committee was also formed. After a thorough study, I suggested two names, “Namma Canteen”, and Indira Canteen”. CM Siddaramaiah’s vision is that every citizen of Karnataka gets proper food and that no one should work or study with an empty stomach. I would like to thank the former CM Siddaramaiah for his initiative in starting the Indira Canteens in Karnataka and the present CM HDK for continuing the schemes of the previous government.”

U T Khader further said, “The main aim of the canteens is to provide quality food for a minimum price to the poor. We have successfully launched all the five Indira canteens within the MCC limits. Now people who are travelling in Air condition cars also come to have food in the Indira canteens. Already 136 canteens have been completed and 72 canteens have already started operating in the state, work of the 37 canteens is under progress and the work for 78 canteens is yet to begin. This canteen is in a very good location and only the work of the flyover is pending. I have spoken to MP Nalin Kumar to complete the work. In this regard, we will meet central minister Gadkari and request him to speed up the work as only 2 workers can be seen doing the flyover work. Whatever good work we do, the BJP is criticising us, we have implemented people-friendly schemes but the opposition is putting various allegations and creating confusion. I request all the leaders to join hands in the development of the district forgetting party differences. I thank CM HDK for continuing all the schemes initiated by former CM Siddarmaiah. I also thank the Mayor and all the corporators for successfully launching all the five canteens in Mangaluru.”

MLC Ivan D’Souza said, “Whatever the Congress government has implemented the opposition has been criticizing. When they were in power they did not implement any people-friendly schemes. When former CM Siddaramaiah implemented the Anna Bhagya, the BJP started to criticize it. During one of the debates on Television, the BJP leaders were criticising the Indira Canteen and alleging of a Rs 150 crore scam. When I questioned, what is wrong with the canteen? They were unable to answer. If they have proof of any scam in the Indira canteen let them provide it to us instead of simply criticizing and playing the blame game. Even the MLA did not attend this programme to avoid praising the Indira canteen. With Rs 25, any common man can have his/her breakfast, lunch and dinner. The BJP is criticizing schemes which largely benefit the poor people. They should stop criticizing such schemes. In Bengaluru, the BBMP has set up Indira canteens in all the 198 wards. I request the minister to start 60 Indira canteens in all the 60 wards within MCC limits. Since we Mangaloreans are Tea and coffee lovers, tea and coffee should also be available at the Indira canteens for breakfast and more items should be added in the menu list.”

Mayor Bhakar K delivered the presidential address. Deputy Mayor K Mohammed, Former Mayors Sashidhar Hegde and Kavitha Sanil, Corporators Praveen Chandra Alva, Radhakrishna, Naveen D’Souza, Latha Salian and others were also present.