Rs 10 per Thali for farmers and labourers -Haryana to establish 600 Atal Shramik Kisan Canteens in the state-CM
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 3,2025
In a significant step toward fulfilling the commitment outlined in the BJP’s Sankalp Patra to establish 600 subsidized food canteens in the state, the Haryana Government has decided to launch 200 new Atal Shramik Kisan Canteens by August this year as part of the first phase. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate these canteens on the occasion of Independence Day on August 15, 2025.
A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini here today. In the Atal Shramik Kisan Canteens, farmers and labourers will be provided fresh and hygienic food at the subsidized rate of only Rs 10 per Thali.
Subsidized food canteens are managed by members of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), thereby promoting women’s empowerment
The Chief Minister stated that currently, 175 subsidized food canteens are operational at various locations throughout the state. This includes 115 from the Labour Department, 53 from the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), and 7 from Sugar Mills. These canteens are managed by members of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), thereby promoting women’s empowerment.With the establishment of 200 new Atal Shramik Kisan Canteens, the total will increase to 375. He directed that work to identify locations for these Canteens be started at the earliest. A target has been set to open a total of 600 such canteens in the state in a phased manner, he added.
Infrastructure for HSIIDC canteens could be developed through the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of companies
Nayab Singh Saini directed the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) to establish subsidized food canteens in all its Industrial Estates across the state, ensuring that laborers have access to nutritious food at affordable rates. The Chief Minister also proposed that the infrastructure for these canteens could be developed through the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of companies. He said that several large companies have expressed interest in contributing to this initiative. He also directed the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) and the Labour Department to identify additional locations in mandis and construction sites for the establishment of these canteens while expanding their scope. Furthermore, he suggested opening Atal Shramik Kisan Canteens to support laborers and workers at mining sites.
Establish a dedicated portal for the subsidized food canteens operating in the state
The Chief Minister instructed the establishment of a dedicated portal for the subsidized food canteens operating in the state, ensuring that information about these canteens is accessible with the click of a button. He said that payment at these canteens should be facilitated through QR code, promoting digitization.
A uniform menu of food items be adopted in all subsidized food canteens
Nayab Singh Saini directed that a uniform menu of food items be adopted in all subsidized food canteens operating across the state. He instructed the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission (HSRLM) to prepare a standardized menu that also includes food items made from millets. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of offering breakfast at these canteens and suggested serving South Indian dishes such as idli and dosa to laborers and farmers.
Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Raja Sekhar Vundru, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce Department D.Suresh, Principal Secretary Labour Rajeev Ranjan, Commissioner and Secretary Development and Panchayats Department Dr Amit Agrawal, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr Saket Kumar, Chief Administrator Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, Labour Commissioner Mani Ram Sharma, Managing Director, HSIIDC Sushil Sarwan, Chief Coordinator, Industries Sunil Sharma, OSD to Chief Minister, Bharat Bhushan Bharti and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.
