Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada Catering Owners’ Association (DKCOA) intends to bring uniform rates for caterers to reduce competition, and regulate unlicensed caterers in the market.
To find solutions for the problems faced by the catering business owners with respect to the forceful and one-sided implementations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, catering business owners in the district joined came together and formed the Dakshina Kannada Caterings Owners Association in 2019.
Through the organization, catering business owners, and other like-minded people joined together to address all the problems related to the business.
President of the association, Anees Mohammed said “There is a lot of unnecessary competition in the field and we intend to bring uniform rates for all caterers. The unform price list will be announced on the day of the inauguration. This association will also form a network where caterers can help each other, especially when there is a food shortage.”
One of the biggest challenges faced by the industry is the presence of unlicensed caterers in the market. “We have received several complaints from the corporation regarding dumping of excess food and waste by caters on the road. Through the formation of the association, we intend to regulate the activities of fellow caterers, and work alongside city corporation to mandate corporation license for caterers” he added.
In addition to catering food, the association also does a lot of community service. To commemorate the inaugural anniversary day of the association, a one-day meal was provided to the orphanages in the district, food kits were distributed during the Covid time, and also helped the needy. They have also provided earing aid to the individuals, financial assistance to the children of catering workers, and assistance to other associations in their social service activities.
Now as per the wishes of the association, an office has been constructed for the association and a mini auditorium in Onyx building near Indiana Hospital. The auditorium is ready to be inaugurated and will be leased out to the general public at a reasonable rent. The mini Auditorium constructed by the Association has a seating capacity of 150 persons with A/C and modern facilities.
MP and State BJP President, Shri. Nalin Kumar Kateel will inaugurate the Office and the Auditorium on 23/2/2021. Shri. Anees Mohammed Shaik, President of the Association will preside over the function. Kota Srinivas Poojary, Minister of State for Hindu Religious Organisations, Endowments and Backward Class Welfare Department of Karnataka, Divakar Pandeshwar, Mayor, Mangaluru City Corporation, D. Vedavyas Kamath, Dr Bharath Shetty, and UT Khader MLA’s, J R Lobo, Ex-MLA, Govinda Babu Poojari, Managing Director, ChefTalk Food & Hospitality services, Abdul Kareem Adka, Managing Director, Adkas Mangaluru, Dr Ali Kumble, Chairman, Indiana Hospital, Clever D. Souza, President, Dakshina Kannada Shamiana Owners Association, Mangaluru will be the Chief Guests for the event.
Anees also said that the purpose of the association is to create a platform where anyone can ask caters for a license and strict actions can be undertaken against unlicensed business owners.
