Samrudhi's Rs 10 meal is 'undigestible' for some

KOCHI: Kochi Corporation's Samrudhi Janakeeya Hotel is becoming a model with its ten-rupee meals. Under the Corporation's 'Hunger-Free Kochi' project, food is prepared here for 5,000 people every day. The Corporation provides a subsidy of Rs 10 per unit. The sale of other dishes and catering brings good income.

The hotel is run by two micro units of Kudumbashree in the corporation building in Ernakulam North. Building rent is not charged. The modern kitchen, which prepares food for 5000 people, was inaugurated on October 7, 2021, by actress Manju Warrier.

Right-to-information requests are coming to the corporation alleging that the figures of the well-run hotel are not transparent. The Corporation does not reply as they just supervise the processes. It is believed that the reason for the right to information requests may be due to the good business and the hostility of the hoteliers.

Rush all the time

Dishes in the 10 rupees meal - Choice of rice, sambar or ozhichu curry, pickles, and toran. Breakfast and dinner are hits. Non-veg dishes are also available. Parcel lunch for Rs15.

Samrudhi so far

• 11.55 lakh units of ten rupee meals sold
• 35 lakh subsidy is due
• 33 lakhs received as CSR funds and donations.

Attempt to destroy

Not a single rupee has been spent on Samrudhi from the Corporation Fund. Only 10 rupee meals get a subsidy. They sustain themselves through other dishes. All accounts are being audited. It will be presented to the council. The aim is to provide employment to 500 women through Samrudhi. The management will be completely handed over to Kudumbashree.

M Anil Kumar

Mayor of Kochi