Punjab goes 'Amma' way to feed the hungry

Populist measures initiated by governments in the name of food often win hands down. They are an instant hit with masses, especially with the large chunk of poor and deprived who struggle for food.

Be it atta-daal schemes run by the  state governments or the famous Amma Unavagam (Amma canteens) serving highly subsidised food to about 2.50 lakh people across 300 outlets in Tamil Nadu, politicians in Punjab have realised the benefits of serving good food, not just on health, but on popularity as well.
The Capt Amarinder Singh government in Punjab has now got the right recipe with all the perfect ingredients, perhaps, a cue from the popular Amma canteens.

The chief minister has chosen the “business of food” to ride on popularity, but with a philanthropic twist. Several centres under different names like  “Sasti roti” and “Sanjhi rasoi” have started serving food to the underprivileged through community kitchen.

A meal costs just Rs 5 at some centres. And there isn’t any compromise on the hygiene or quantity. Sample this: for Rs 5, a poor is served six chapatis, lintel, seasonal vegetables and rice. That’s quite a mouthful for Rs 5 a meal, and clearly a tough competition for Amma canteens where sambar rice is served at Rs 5, besides other options on the menu.

  Punjab’s experiment with the “politics of food” so far is not entirely submerged in political flavour, unlike in Tamil Nadu where the food canteens branding the name “Amma” was in unequivocal reference to chief minister the late J Jayalalithaa who introduced the concept for the economically disadvantaged majority in that state.

In Punjab, the experiment to offer subsidised food to the poor and the working class began this month in the districts of Bathinda, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Muktsar and SBS Nagar.

At some places it is run entirely by the government under the aegis of the district red cross societies, while the scheme is operated in collaboration with NGOs at other centres. In Bathinda, the facility has been entirely outsourced by the government.

The magnitude of the exercise in this border state may not be as elaborate and widespread as in Tamil Nadu or even in Odisha where such arrangements have been named Aahar (food) centres, but officials say the initiative has only  begun.

The plan is afloat to take the food scheme to a new high where the concept will not be limited to merely serving food to the deprived. Jalandhar’s “Sanjhi Rasoi” intends to offer porridge and khichdi as well. The idea is aimed at providing nutritious food to all, especially women and mothers, who may suffer from various deficiencies for want of adequate healthy food.

 Senior officials in the district administration say nutritious food will add value to the initiative and make it more fulfilling and rewarding to say the least. Chapati-making machines have been set up at one centre in Punjab where the rush is growing by the day.

 Thousands belonging to the underprivileged section queue up every day to eat subsidised food. In some centres serving community food, a meal costs Rs 10. The authorities make sure the menu doesn’t remain staple all the time. “Aloo puri” and “Halwa” (dessert) are also on the menu once a week. Subsidised food for the poor was a poll promise of the Amarinder Singh government and one of the early promises to have started taking shape.

But the initiative has its limitations.  Initially food packets  ere prepared in bulk and intended to be distributed at a low cost. But the authorities soon realised its pitfall. A large number of employees  walked away with the food meant for the deprived. The practice was discontinued. Food was only made available at the counter and served in plate.

A food contractor spends about Rs 15 per meal. The price being charged from people at some places is only Rs 5 and the rest of the deficit money has to be borne by the Red Cross Society. Funds available with societies are limited which is why the government may have to consider a viable option that could sustain the initiative.

The  government has already promised the moon for the people of Punjab, something that may be a drain on the exchequer. The meal option for the poor is so far limited only once a day for lunch. Round-the-clock kitchens have been entirely ruled out. But the authorities say, they are contemplating extending the facility for dinners as well.

Public participation has started to pour in. The authorities are hoping the scheme will catch the attention of non-resident Indians or corporates that will help sustain the initiative. Officials say traders and good Samaritans are offering help. There have been days when the poor don’t have to pay a penny and get a scrumptious meal for free.

Officials say good Samaritans often buy coupons on some days for Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 and distribute these for free to the people queuing up to have a meal.

 Community kitchen in Punjab is a way of life as enshrined in the Sikh religious ethos. On weekends on an average, the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar serves free nutritious food to about one lakh devotees.