‘Atal Kisan-Mazdoor’ canteens launched in grain markets

In an initiative blending social welfare with women empowerment, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana on Tuesday inaugurated ‘Atal Kisan-Mazdoor’ canteens in grain markets of Radaur and Saraswati Nagar of Yamunanagar district.

Operated by women from self-help groups (SHGs), these canteens will serve nutritious meals to farmers, labourers and the needy at just Rs 10 per plate.

The meals, comprising dal, a vegetable, four chapatis and rice, aim at supporting the hardworking rural population with affordable, hygienic food.

Speaking on the occasion, Rana said the canteens were not just food centres but “symbols of self-reliance, dignity and empowerment.”

He inspected the kitchens and lauded the women for maintaining food purity and cleanliness.

“The initiative reflects Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s vision of inclusive development, where farmers, labourers and underprivileged citizens are cared for,” said Rana.

He added that the government was committed to expanding the initiative to all 240 grain markets in Haryana.

Opened from 11 am to 3 pm daily, the canteens are designed to serve 50 to 60 persons at a time.The minister himself tasted the meal and praised the SHG women for their efforts.He also directed officials of the Market Committee to ensure that all facilities in the mandis function smoothly and serve the interests of the farming community.

Rana underlined that the women-led canteens were a testament to the BJP governments—both at the Centre and in Haryana—prioritising women’s advancement.

He listed several state welfare schemes such as the Maternity Assistance Scheme, Child Service Scheme, Widow and Destitute Women Pension Scheme, Kanyadan Scheme and Aapki Beti Humari Beti initiative as major drivers of women’s empowerment.

The inauguration was attended by Market Committee members, local BJP leaders, and party workers, all of whom hailed the initiative as a step towards equitable growth and grassroots transformation.

 

Haryana Tribune