HYDERABAD: In a bid to combat hunger and support the urban poor, the newly modernised Indiramma Canteens were launched on Monday, now offering a highly subsidised breakfast for just Rs 5. Inaugurated by district in-charge minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi, the initiative aims to provide nutritious meals at nominal rates, easing the financial burden on underprivileged citizens who can save up to `3,000 monthly.
While each meal or breakfast costs Rs 5, the GHMC will be contributing Rs 14 per breakfast and Rs 24.83 per meal. Currently, about 30,000 meals are served daily across 128 centres in the city, implemented with operational support from Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation. Breakfast is served from 7 am to 9.30 am and lunch from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.
The inauguration was held at Mothinagar in Borabanda and Mint Compound in Khairatabad, alongside the launch of 60 Indiramma Canteens at other locations. Several politicians and GHMC officials served meals, interacted with sanitation workers and the public and stressed the scheme’s focus on affordability and dignity.
Prabhakar said the canteens, guided by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, are inspired by former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s vision of hunger-free cities. “Though the government shoulders a financial burden, we are committed to providing quality food at nominal prices for the poor,” he said, adding that welfare measures such as free bus travel for women, free household power and interest-free loans also reflect this.
Vijayalaxmi called the canteens a lifeline for the poor and said GHMC plans to expand them to 150 across the city, prioritising SHGs for operations to promote women’s empowerment. Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender said the initiative highlights the government’s commitment to social welfare, poverty alleviation and inclusive urban development.
Currently, 150 such canteens are operational under GHMC, serving over 30,000 beneficiaries daily. Since inception, they have provided more than 12.3 crore meals, with GHMC spending nearly Rs 254 crore. The canteens are being upgraded with modern containers, seating, RO water, handwash facilities, drainage and power connections.