Rajasthan is a state that thrives on food and culture. Rajasthanis don’t see food as a means of satisfying palate. Food in Rajasthan, reflects the quality of life and the way of extending hospitality towards visitors. Keeping in tune with this spirit, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje launched her populist Annapurna Rasoi Yojana this Thursday. Somewhat akin to late Jayalalithaa’s ‘Amma Canteens’, these ‘rasois’ will serve quality breakfast, lunch and dinner at subsidised rates. At present, Annapurna Rasois serve nutritious breakfast at Rs. 5/plate and wholesome lunch/dinner at Rs. 8/plate.
Raje’s Mobile Kitchens are on the run, Government Plans to Cover all 33 Districts under Annapurna Rasoi Yojana
Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje flagged off the first Annapurna van from JMC (Jaipur Municipal Corporation) office on December 15. She inaugurated the first mobile kitchen by dining with women from BPL families in a humble setting. The CM, along with Kailasi Gurjar and Munni, grabbed a bite of ‘Baajre ki Khichdi’ (Pearl millet porridge), Lehsun ki chutney (garlic paste) and Besan Gatte ki Sabji (gram flour curry).
Annapurna Rasoi Yojana is Rajasthan’s first mobile food chain under PPP (public-private partnership) mode. The concept was launched in line with the social campaign ‘Sab ke liye Bhojan, Sab ke liye Samman’ or ‘food for all, respect for all’. In the first phase, this ambitious scheme was launched in 5 districts (Dungarpur, Baran, Banswara, Jhalawar and Pratapgarh) and 7 divisional headquarters (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Udaipur).
These mobile vans will commence operations from 80 selected urban areas in 12 districts of the state. In the second phase, Rajasthan government will rope in remaining 21 districts and villages as well.
As of now, 25 vans have been allotted to ‘Pink City’ Jaipur. Five vans will operate from each divisional headquarter. Likewise, Pratapgarh and Baran were allotted three vans each, Banswara and Dungarpur got four vans each and Jhalawar got six mobile food vans.
The Real Motive Behind Annapurna Rasoi Yojana
With Annapurna Rasoi Yojana, Rajasthan government aims to reach out to students, working class and urban families who’re below poverty line (BPL). The idea is to provide nutritious, hygienic and healthy meals to people, without compromising on quality. In future, this scheme will cover around 300 people.
Soon, Rajasthan will see saffron and green coloured vans fleeting across the state. Hopefully CM Raje’s attempt will help eradicate hunger and malnutrition problems from state.
