Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao inaugurated a newly constructed Indira Canteen at Bajpe on March 14, marking the fulfilment of a long-pending demand from residents in the area.
The initiative is part of the state government’s continued efforts to provide affordable and hygienic food to economically weaker sections of society. With the opening of the Bajpe facility, more residents and daily wage earners in the locality will now have access to subsidised meals in a clean and organised setting.
Facility fulfils long-standing demand
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the canteen was constructed in response to a long-standing request from the local community.
He noted that several residents, particularly daily labourers, small vendors, and economically weaker groups, had expressed the need for an affordable food service in the Bajpe area. The new facility aims to address this requirement by providing nutritious meals at highly subsidised prices.
The minister emphasised that the state government’s primary objective through the Indira Canteen initiative is to ensure that quality food is accessible to everyone, especially those who struggle to afford regular meals.
According to him, the government has consistently focused on expanding welfare schemes that directly benefit the poor and common citizens.
Focus on hygienic and affordable food
Highlighting the importance of the programme, the minister said the canteen would provide meals in a clean and hygienic environment while maintaining strict quality standards.
The subsidised meal programme has been designed to ensure that essential food items are available at minimal cost, helping many individuals who depend on affordable food services in urban and semi-urban areas.
Officials present at the event explained that the canteen would offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner at subsidised rates, allowing workers, students, and travellers passing through Bajpe to access nutritious food without financial strain.
Minister Rao further said the launch of the Bajpe unit represents another step towards the broader vision of building a hunger-free society.
He stated that ensuring food security for vulnerable sections of society remains a priority for the government, and initiatives such as this help address the issue of urban hunger.
Canteen begins service immediately
The minister confirmed that the facility began serving the public from the day of the inauguration itself. Residents in and around Bajpe can now access the canteen for affordable meals on a daily basis.
Local authorities expect the canteen to benefit a large number of people, particularly daily wage labourers, auto drivers, construction workers, and other members of the working class who rely on inexpensive meal options.
Officials also indicated that the functioning of the canteen will be monitored to ensure consistent quality, proper hygiene, and uninterrupted service.
Local leaders and officials attend inauguration
Several local leaders and government officials were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Among those in attendance were M A Gafoor, chairman of the Coastal Development Authority, and T M Shahid, chairman of the Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
Also present were Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V and Lokesh Pujari, along with other officials and local residents.
Speakers at the event expressed hope that the facility would significantly benefit the local community and strengthen the government’s social welfare initiatives.
Moving toward a hunger-free society
The expansion of subsidised food centres such as the Indira Canteen has been viewed as an important step toward improving food access in urban areas.
With the inauguration of the Bajpe canteen, authorities believe more residents will benefit from affordable meals while ensuring that no one goes hungry due to financial constraints.
Officials stated that similar initiatives may continue to be expanded in other areas depending on demand and public need.