Raj govt launches subsidised meal scheme for underprivileged

Rajasthan Government has launched a subsidised meal scheme for underprivileged people in 12 cities under which food will be provided at nominal rates.
The scheme 'Annapurna Rasoi' was launched by state Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje at the Jaipur Municipal Corporation campus yesterday.
Urban development and housing minister Shrichand Kriplani, BJP state president Ashok Parnami and Mayor Ashok Lahoti were also present on the occasion.
Poor and needy including labourers, students and rickshaw pullers will get breakfast at Rs 5 and lunch/dinner at Rs 8.
Initially, the scheme has been launched in 12 cities-- Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Baran, Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh and Jhalawar. It will be introduced in other cities later.

"The quality meals will be provided through special vans so that needy people get nutritious food, which will also have variety," a statement quoting the Chief Minister said.

The meal will be cooked and served by trained staff in 80 vans in 12 cities.
"We are planning to introduce the scheme in all the urban areas of the state in next 6 months," UDH Minister Srichand Kriplani said.
Manjeet Singh, Principal Secretary Local Self Department, said that the cost of a breakfast is Rs 21.70 and Rs 23.70 for a lunch/dinner. It will be provided at Rs 5 and 8 respectively and the remaining will be borne by the government.

"The government will have to bear a financial burden of Rs 10 crore for 12 cities as the financial gap whereas this gap will be approximately 40 crore if the scheme covers all the urban areas of the state," he said.