The scheme “Indira Amma Bhojanalaya” was introduced by the Rural Development Department, Government of Uttarakhand, aims to arrange and operate cheap food canteens in the state. The primary objective is to provide nutritious and affordable food to the poor and needy sections of society and to economically strengthen rural women’s self-help groups (SHGs).

Benefits

• Nutritious and affordable food at subsidized rates.
• Consumer Rates: ₹25 per plate in hilly areas; ₹20 per plate in Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital.
• ₹10 per plate subsidy borne by the State Government.
• Free space, furniture, electricity, and water provided by relevant authorities.
• LPG arrangement through District Supply Officer.
• Income-generating employment for SHGs.

Conditions: Max 1,200 plates/day in high-population districts; 800 plates/day in others. No subsidy for canteens restricted to office employees.

Eligibility

• Women SHGs formed under NRLM or NULM guidelines.
• Must be active and have received a Revolving Fund.
• Preference for groups that have received Community Investment Funds for canteens.
• Operation tenure: 1 year in Municipal areas (eligible again after 2 years); 2 years in other areas (eligible again after 4 years).

Exclusion

• SHG cannot be allotted more than one canteen.
• Intoxicants or smoking strictly prohibited.
• Canteens in government office premises not eligible for subsidy.

Application Process

Offline

Advertisements are published in national newspapers. Priority is given to local Nyaya Panchayat SHGs. Selection is via lottery if multiple groups are eligible. Records preserved at the district level.

Documents Required

• Bank Account and MIS Number of SHG
• Passbook copy and SHG proposal
• Photographs of all group members
• Daily, Stock, and Cash registers to be maintained during operation