Gujarat has expanded its subsidised meal scheme for construction workers, the Shramik Annapurna Yojana, by opening 101 new centres across 28 districts on 16 October 2026, bringing the total to 394 centres spread across all 34 districts of the state. The expansion raises the daily meal distribution target to approximately 45,000, up from an earlier average of over 35,000 meals per day, according to a state government statement.

How the Expansion Unfolded

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel e-inaugurated the new centres as part of the state's 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'. He also visited an Annapurna centre near Chanakyapuri Bridge in Ahmedabad, where he served meals to workers, participated in voluntary service, and interacted with beneficiaries. The new centres were simultaneously launched across multiple districts in the presence of state ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Scheme Reach and Meal Details

Launched in 2017 by the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board under the Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department, the scheme provides meals to construction workers and their family members at a nominal charge of ₹5 per person. A typical meal includes roti, vegetables, pulses, rice, pickle, chillies, and jaggery, with sweets such as sukhdi and sheera served once a week. More than 5 crore meals have been distributed since the scheme's inception, the government said.

Before Friday's expansion, 293 centres were operational across 20 districts. The latest addition of 101 centres takes coverage to all 34 districts — a significant geographical leap. The scheme also includes doorstep delivery at construction sites where more than 50 workers opt to avail the facility, with 27 lakh meals distributed through this on-site arrangement so far.

Broader Welfare Context

The Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board administers 23 schemes for construction workers, covering healthcare, housing, education, transport, and social security. The Shramik Annapurna Yojana is one such initiative. The state government noted that the expansion is being undertaken in the spirit of 'Seva Hi Sadhana', and forms part of public welfare programmes organised to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service and governance.

Officials at the Launch

Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department Secretary Lochan Sehra, and city Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Prerak Shah attended the event alongside officials and workers. The broad official presence signals the political weight the ruling dispensation is placing on the welfare optics of the expansion.

With coverage now reaching every district in the state and a daily target of 45,000 meals, the next milestone will be whether on-ground delivery infrastructure can sustain the scale — particularly at remote construction sites.