Odisha Aahar Kendras Likely To Get A New Name, Hints H&UD Minister

Bhubaneswar: Aahar Kendra, serving ₹5 meal to the general public,  is very likely to a new name soon. Housing and Urban Development Department Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, on Thursday pointed that these outlets might be renamed after a thorough review of the scheme.

Mahapatra, who paid a surprise visit to the Aahar centre on premises of PGIMER and Capital Hospital, had lunch with people and sought their feedback on food quality and overall experience.

Speaking to the media, Mahapatra confirmed that the food scheme would continue, as it serves the public’s interest. He mentioned, “A review of the scheme’s name might be conducted in the future.”

Earlier this month, the H&UD Minister had suggested renaming the Mo Bus service as Ama Bus.

Similarly, after coming into power, the BJP government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi renamed Location Accessible Multi-Modal Initiative (LAccMI) bus service as Mukhyamantri Bus Seva.

Speaking further about the Aahar scheme, the Minister emphasised on cleanliness and food quality and ordered immediate repair of a broken dishwashing machine.

Highlighting the state government’s commitment to providing nutritious food in a clean and healthy environment, Mahapatra stressed the importance of serving the poor with dignity.

He advised involving self-supporting women in the service to improve the quality further, considering the rising costs. The minister pointed out that the government subsidises the meals, with the state paying ₹23 and people paying ₹5.

Launched in April 2015, the affordable cooked food scheme currently operates 168 centres in 115 urban areas of the state. All centres and kitchens are ISO certified and GEO linked, with 61 centres offering night meals. The scheme supplies 1 lakh meals daily.