Second Indira Canteen inaugurated in Bhatkal

Bhatkal, Feb 3 : (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Bhatkal got its second Indira Canteen on Sunday 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 and Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal S. Vaidya.

Addressing the gathering, Vaidya said the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah introduced the Indira Canteen scheme to provide affordable food to the hungry while also creating employment opportunities. He said more than 600 Indira Canteens are currently functioning across Karnataka.

The Azad Nagar canteen has been established with the support 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 provided at ₹5 and full meals at ₹10, ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for the urban poor, daily wage earners and other needy sections.

Stressing the importance of nutrition, the minister said a balanced diet is essential for good health and productivity. He added that the government’s guarantee schemes are aimed at ensuring social security, peace and well-being for the people.

Vaidya also said that while substantial funds are being allocated for welfare schemes, development works have not been neglected. He informed that the state budget this year is expected to cross ₹4 lakh crore, with priority given to housing and road construction. He said efforts are underway to provide houses to around 700 economically weaker families within Bhatkal town limits, adding that objections over the identified land have led to a court case, causing some delay.

On the occasion, Jali Pattan 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 living for decades on encroached land.

The programme was attended by Jali Pattan Panchayat President Afsha Qaziya, Standing Committee Chairman Ishwar Moger, Bhatkal taluk Guarantee Scheme Committee President Raju Naik and several town panchayat members.

The first Indira Canteen in Bhatkal was inaugurated on Hospital Road in 2017. With the opening of the Azad Nagar outlet, the town now has two Indira Canteens.