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Bengaluru's Indira Canteens: Lifeline Fades Amidst Food Woes
15 Feb
Summary
- Watery sambar and undersized portions are reported at Bengaluru's Indira Canteens.
- Thousands of customers rely on these affordable meal centers daily.
- Staff shortages and infrastructure issues plague the operational canteens.

Indira Canteens in Bengaluru, established to provide subsidized meals, are currently grappling with significant operational issues. Reports indicate a decline in food quality, with customers frequently encountering watery sambar and portions that do not meet the stipulated weight guidelines. These canteens, intended to offer breakfast for Rs 5 and lunch/dinner for Rs 10, serve thousands daily, but their promise is being undermined.
Many of the 198 canteens are either not operational or facing suspensions. Recurring problems include inadequate staff, leading to service struggles, and inconsistent water supply, with some relying on manual water collection. Hygiene is also a concern, with one canteen affected by a nearby garbage dumping ground, leading to an unpleasant environment for patrons.
Furthermore, staff members report delayed salary disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses for essential provisions. The lack of modern payment options, such as digital transfers, adds to customer inconvenience. City corporation officials acknowledge these issues and are reportedly working towards improvements across the canteen network.



