250 Indira Canteens to be opened in Bengaluru city: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, June 12: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday instructed officials to start at least 250 Indira Canteens, which provide subsidised food, with one outlet for each ward of Bengaluru.
The Congress in its manifesto had promised to rejuvenate the existing canteens and extend them throughout the state.
Indira Canteens, started as a pet project of Siddaramaiah, were first introduced during his earlier term as Chief Minister between 2013-18.
The Chief Minister today held a meeting with top officials regarding provision of Indira Canteen service and its management.
"We have held discussions to restart the Indira Canteens. One Indira Canteen has to be opened in every ward (of Bengaluru). I have instructed to take measures to start a minimum 250 Indira Canteens in Bengaluru city," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting.
He said until now the city corporation used to bear 70 per cent of the cost and government took up the remaining 30 per cent, but from now on both entities will bear 50 per cent each.
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"In places other than Bengaluru, the government will bear 70 per cent of the cost, while remaining 30 per cent will be by local civic agencies there," Siddaramaiah said adding he has asked for a list of places where canteens have to be opened afresh.
Noting that new tenders will be called, the Chief Minister said the menu will subsequently also change. Quantity, quality, cleanliness should be ensured, he pointed out.
The senior politician said there will be no price revision and existing rates will continue at the canteens.
"I have asked to call for a short term tender zonal wise. After the tender process, we will relaunch the programme," he said in response to a question.
According to officials, officials were instructed at the meeting to visit the Indira Canteens and submit a report on the condition and functioning of the outlets.
Repairs must be undertaken wherever necessary and the canteens should be in good condition, they said, adding food quality should be maintained and the prescribed menu should be followed strictly with instructions given to provide local food in north Karnataka.
Instructions were also given to submit proposals for setting up new Indira Canteens at public places like colleges, hospitals, bus stands, taluk offices, etc.
Officials, citing data, said there are 175 canteens in Bengaluru of which 163 are operational. The canteens provide breakfast at Rs 5, while lunch and dinner cost Rs 10 each.
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
