Sundargarh: In order to provide healthy and hygienic food in clean environment, the Odisha government has opened a chain of Mission Shakti Cafes at all block headquarters in Sundargarh district.
Managed by different women self-help (WSH) groups, these cafes serve healthy lunch, breakfast and evening snacks at an affordable price. Under the aegis of Mission Shakti Department and Odisha Livelihood Mission, the programme has been launched with an objective of expanding the scope of activity of WSHG members by engaging them in unconventional vocations for ensuring their livelihood.
“Earlier we were engaged in various traditional works. Now, with help from the district administration, we are running Mission Shakti Cafes where we are preparing food items and serve to the people in a homely atmosphere,” said Nilima Kullu, a WSHG member from Kutra block.
“We were given training at Sundargarh after we were selected for managing the cafes. The training programme focused on preparation of different food items while ensuring hygiene on the premises. We are now getting good returns by running the cafe,” said Mamina Kujur, a WSHG member from Birsa block.
As the pilot project of the programme, ‘Utkal Kitchen’ was opened in Kuarmunda block in 2021 with financial support from the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC). Subsequently, Mission Shakti Cafes were set up in the rest 16 blocks. The District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Sundargarh has been extending the required finances for the management of the cafes.
The Mission Shakti Cafes serve breakfast, lunch and afternoon refreshments on 6 working days of the week between 8 am and 6 pm. The breakfast items include Bara, Alu Chop, Idli etc, while the lunch has rice, dal, curry, chips, assorted fried vegetables and lentils. The non-vegetarian items include egg, fish and chicken dishes. Pakoda and Ssamosa are served in the afternoon with tea and coffee.
“Women managing the cafe are well mannered and are keeping the premises neat and clean. That’s why it feels good to eat in the homely atmosphere here,” said Mandakini Patel, a customer at Kutra block.
