Is the Madhya Pradesh government really starting 68 new kitchens under Deendayal Rasoi Yojana?
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Synopsis
On July 18, the Madhya Pradesh government announced plans to launch 68 new kitchens under the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana. This initiative aims to provide affordable meals and improve accessibility for those in need, particularly in urban areas. Discover the impact of this expansion on the community and the ongoing efforts to cater to the needs of migrants and devotees alike.
Key Takeaways
- 68 new kitchens will be launched under the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana.
- The program has distributed 4.60 crore meal plates to date.
- Meal costs are subsidized to Rs 5 for those in need.
- Mobile kitchens assist urban workers in accessing affordable meals.
- Continuous monitoring ensures food quality and safety.
Bhopal, July 18 (NationPress) The Urban Development and Housing Department has announced plans to expand the number of kitchens under the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana supported by state government funding.
In this regard, a proposal has been submitted to the state government to initiate 68 new kitchens, marking the fourth phase of this initiative, as stated by a senior official in the Urban Development Department.
The department reported that it has so far provided around 4.60 crore meal plates to those in need through the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana, which was launched approximately seven years ago.
This initiative operates via 191 kitchen centers across 51 districts, comprising 166 permanent and 25 mobile kitchen centers.
As of September 2023, the price for a meal plate was set at Rs 10, which was reduced to Rs 5 by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan prior to the Assembly elections.
The introduction of mobile kitchens was also part of this announcement.
An official from the Urban Development Department remarked, "In urban areas, families in need from rural regions continue to migrate for employment opportunities. Urban bodies are striving to provide affordable housing and meals for them."
Currently, out of the 166 permanent kitchen centers, 58 are operational in 16 municipal corporations, 99 in municipal councils, and 9 in town councils across the state.
Additionally, of the 25 mobile kitchen centers, 23 are functioning in 16 municipal corporations and 2 municipal councils.
According to an official, "The mobile kitchen centers are established by urban bodies to offer affordable meals at job sites for numerous workers in specific locations."
To ensure consistency in mobile kitchen vehicles and equipment statewide, the Directorate of Urban Administration has devised a plan to supply well-equipped vehicles, the official added.
The department is also allocating grant amounts to urban bodies for the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana.
Furthermore, the scheme has been extended to six religious towns—Maihar, Chitrakoot, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Orchha, and Amarkantak—to accommodate the influx of devotees.
Urban bodies are continuously monitoring the quality of food served in meals provided to the needy. The government allocates approximately Rs. 15 crore annually to sustain this scheme.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the importance of the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana in addressing food security in urban areas of Madhya Pradesh. The government's initiative to expand the program reflects a commitment to support the most vulnerable populations, especially in times of economic hardship. Continuous monitoring and quality assurance will be crucial to ensure the sustainability of this program, which demonstrates a proactive approach to social welfare.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana?
The Deendayal Rasoi Yojana is a government initiative aimed at providing affordable meals to the needy, particularly in urban areas.
How many kitchens are being added under this scheme?
The Madhya Pradesh government plans to add 68 new kitchens as part of the fourth phase of the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana.
What is the cost of meals under this scheme?
As of September 2023, the cost of a meal plate was reduced to Rs 5.
How many meal plates have been distributed so far?
Approximately 4.60 crore meal plates have been distributed under the initiative since its inception.
Which areas are benefiting from mobile kitchens?
Mobile kitchens are primarily set up in urban areas to provide meals at job sites for workers.
