Hard idlis to watery sambar: Indira Canteens battle resource constraint

Challenges Plague Bengaluru's Affordable Meal Hubs

Indira Canteens, launched in 2017 by the Congress government in Karnataka, were envisioned as a lifeline for the city's daily wage workers, mechanics, and hospital visitors. These outlets promised hygienic, filling meals at rock-bottom prices—idli for breakfast at five rupees and full plates of rice-sambar for ten. But today, many canteens are falling short, with complaints pouring in about hard idlis, watery sambar, and half-cooked rice.

Patrons describe a far cry from the soft, steaming idlis and flavorful gravies they once enjoyed. In west Bengaluru outlets, inspectors found sambar lacking vegetables or pulses, rasam diluted to tasteless broth, and chapatis tough as rubber. Kitchens appear unclean, surroundings littered, and portion sizes meager, leaving hungry workers unsatisfied. Footfall has dipped despite recent government pushes for modernization, like digital kiosks introduced last year.

Daily wage earner Veluswamy, a regular at a central Bengaluru spot, captures the frustration shared by many. His words echo across the city, where even small expectations of decent nutrition go unmet.

The idli is not soft and the sambar tastes like coloured water. One plate does not fill the stomach. For ten rupees we are not expecting luxury, but at least the food should be filling and hygienic.

Staff Shortages and Infrastructure Woes Compound Problems

Behind the scenes, resource constraints are biting hard. Staff shortages plague multiple outlets, leading to inconsistent quality and upkeep. At some locations, garbage piles up outside, toilets remain locked despite construction, and water supply relies on tankers because motors fail. In areas like Rajajinagar and Chalavadi Palya, basic facilities are inaccessible, adding to the hardship for staff and visitors alike.

Payment systems lag too—in a digital-savvy city, most canteens accept only cash, turning away those without exact change. Operations halt early as tokens run out within two hours, frustrating latecomers. Officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have stepped in, ordering audits in the west zone after a commissioner's tour revealed glaring lapses. North zone directives include cleanliness drives, civil repairs, and marshal oversight to monitor premises.

These issues persist even as the government eyes expansion. Of 186 proposed new canteens, only 78 operate fully; 130 are built, but 52 await MLA inaugurations due to political delays. Another 56 are under construction, with promises of completion in two months. Funding splits between state and civic bodies have shifted, with Bengaluru's local share rising, straining operations further.

Revival Efforts Face Hurdles in Meeting Demand

The Siddaramaiah administration revived the scheme after returning to power in 2023, aiming to cover all 500 wards amid Bengaluru's ward redrawing from 198 to 400. Originally, 174 fixed outlets plus 24 mobile ones served the old wards, but around 169 now function amid closures for various reasons. Activists push for more, citing nutrition crises highlighted in national health surveys—Karnataka needs outlets serving eggs or meat too, run by women's self-help groups for better reach.

Modernization bids, like self-service kiosks and digital ordering from August last year, aim to cut queues and boost efficiency. Yet, ground realities undermine these steps: empty kitchens in ready-but-unopened units, out-of-stock menus, and menus straying from BBMP standards. Visitors, mostly from economically weaker sections, urge extended hours and satiating portions to truly combat urban hunger.

City lawyer Vinay Sreenivasa emphasizes the stakes for Bengaluru's 1.3 crore residents. While the scheme has curbed hunger for some, restoring trust demands swift fixes to quality, staffing, and basics. BBMP special commissioners monitor health and education angles, but sustained funding and oversight are key to turning promise into reality.

In summary, Indira Canteens grapple with subpar food, shortages, and delays, but targeted audits and expansions offer hope if resources align to serve the urban poor effectively.