Chandigarh, Nov 5 The Punjab government will launch 100 Self-Help Group (SHG)-managed canteens across major public institutions in the state to empower rural women and provide affordable and hygienic food to people, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said on Thursday.
“The statewide initiative will serve as a powerful engine of socio-economic transformation,” Cheema said.
The initiative aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women while providing affordable, hygienic and home-style nutritious meals to citizens, fulfilling a key promise made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during Women’s Day celebrations, he said.
The government and Punjab State Rural Livelihoods Mission (PSRLM) are establishing 100 SHG-managed canteens across Punjab Roadways bus stands, tehsils, DC and MC offices, departmental headquarters and major public institutions across the state, he said in a statement.
Elaborating on the operational support being extended to SHGs, the finance minister said, “To ensure the success of these canteens, the Punjab government is providing rent-free space, and free electricity and water facilities in government offices. Kitchen equipment and utensils are also being provided to facilitate the smooth functioning of these units.”
Highlighting the focus on skill development and quality, he said, “PSRLM is collaborating with district hotel management colleges to provide seven to 10 days of professional culinary and canteen management training to SHG members.
“We have already witnessed the success of this model through a pilot canteen at Yojana Bhawan, Sector 33, Chandigarh. Run by women from Mohali-based SHGs, the canteen is successfully serving fresh breakfast, lunch and a 26-item menu,” Cheema said.
“By expanding this initiative across 100 locations, we are creating a sustainable livelihood ecosystem for rural women across Punjab. It will secure dignified and regular livelihoods for thousands of women while ensuring that lakhs of everyday citizens have access to affordable and nutritious food,” he said.
(PTI News)
