The government's decision to open Subiksha hotels with lunch at Rs 20 in all the 140 constituencies in the state is a welcome move. These hotels will get help from the food department. Rice will be provided at Rs 10.90 per kg and other condiments at cheaper rates. In addition, the government will provide a subsidy of Rs 5 per meal. Kudumbasree, women's groups and co-operative societies are also responsible for running the hotel. If it goes well, it will not go unnoticed by the people. But many good ventures that start like this have stalled. The initial excitement and zeal are later lost due to the financial crisis. Ours is a state that opposes everything. But no one can oppose a venture to provide food for a small amount. Private hoteliers may not like it, but they can not oppose it. There are many who think that it will get stalled on its own.

At present, there are five Subiksha hotels in the state with the help of the Food Department. It has been decided to start it in all the constituencies in view of the popularity it has gained due to its good performance. The Amma canteens started by Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu are a model for the whole country. In these eateries, breakfast is served for five rupees and thairu sadham for lunch. Following this example, some other southern states have started similar projects and are now running successfully. Its main reason is that the discount has not affected the taste of the food served there. The government should be careful to follow suit in the case of Subiksha Hotel as well. The number of people experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic period is very high. It can also be run by communities of expatriates who are unable to return from abroad. Arrangements should be made to deliver food to the homes of the elderly in the villages. It has been decided to include banking transactions in e-pos machines in ration shops in rural areas where banking facilities are scarce. It is hoped that this will be possible once smart ration cards are launched.