Karnataka: 8 hotels bid for Indira Canteen

The State government’s ambitious project to provide quality food at affordable price to citizens through Indira Canteen is taking steps towards becoming a reality.  The tender called to supply food to India Canteens was closed on Monday and 8 well known hotels have bid. However, since the number is not sufficient the last date to apply has been extended, reported Kannada Prabha.

The 200 canteens in 198 wards will be supplied with food to be cooked at 28 kitchens. Tender was invited to cook at these kitchens and supply to all canteens. The last date to apply has been extended by a week to facilitate more hotels to bid. One hotelier will be allotted 5 constituencies. Hence there are possibilities of all bidders getting awarded.  About 5 constituencies have been reserved for women’s self-help groups but eve in that the applications are not as expected, it is said.

Mayor G Padmavathi said though eight popular hotels have already made their bids, we are extending the last date to close the deal by a week to allow more hotels to apply.

The State government has given a deadline of August 15 to BBMP to launch the Indira Canteens at all wards. But the BJP - Congress fight may not make it possible to construct all 198 canteens.  BBMP has identified 124 locations for the purpose and the rest 74 are yet to be identified. Even some of the identified locations are being facing hurdles due to local BBMP members opposing. Especially in wards where majority of BJP members reside, the opposition is strong. Hence it is to see if all canteens will be ready by the deadline.  On the other hand wherever the Indira Canteen is ready by August 15 will be launched and start serving.

Meanwhile, Urban Development Minister K J George has instructed the BWSSB and the BESCOM to provide water and power to Indira Canteens by July 25 to facilitate the inauguration on Aug 15.  At a meeting held on Monday at the BMRDA office along with the Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader, George said majority of the sites, numbering 75, are allocated to Indira Canteens have been handed over from BDA, Revenue and other departments and some 10 are pending; drinking water and electricity supply must be provided to all at the earliest he instructed.

Tender had been called to supply 52 various cooking instruments and 9 companies had participated. On Tuesday the company with least bid will be awarded the tender, George said.  Additional Secretary, Food Department D V Prasad, Mayor G Padmavathi and BDA Commissioner Rakesh Singh were present.

• Indira Canteen bids
• 8 hotels bid
• Last date extended
• Karnataka