The Karnataka government has sanctioned two Akka Cafés in Dharwad district under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). One will be established in Dharwad city, while the other will be set up in Kalghatagi taluk, aiming to empower women socially and financially.
Under this initiative, self-help groups (SHGs) will be selected by Zilla and Taluk Panchayat committees to manage the cafés. The project aligns with the 2024-25 state budget, which proposed women-led canteens offering affordable local food in both rural and urban areas. The Skill Development and Livelihood Department will oversee branding under Akka Cafés.
The Dharwad café will be located at the old Department of Mines and Geology building, while the Kalghatagi unit will function within the Taluk Panchayat premises. Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) is overseeing construction, with Rs 15 lakh allocated for Dharwad and Rs 5.80 lakh for Kalghatagi.
A selection committee will identify two SHGs from the district’s 8,012 women’s groups, particularly among 70 catering SHGs, ensuring quality food service with quarterly reviews.
Locals have welcomed the move, with residents like Ramesh Guled highlighting the need for such facilities, especially after a previous canteen at the DC Office closed in 2020.
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