Atal Kisan-Mazdoor Canteen inaugurated in Ambala

Haryana Transport, Energy And Labour Minister Anil Vij on Tuesday inaugurated ‘Atal Kisan-Mazdoor’ canteen at the New Grain Market in Ambala Cantonment.

Operated by women from self-help groups (SHGs), the canteens will serve nutritious meals to farmers, labourers and needy at just Rs 10 per plate, from 11 am to 3 pm daily. As per the information, the canteen will be operated by four women belonging to Khatauli village.

Cabinet Minister Anil Vij said, “Atal Kisan-Mazdoor canteen has been inaugurated for the farmers and labouers at the grain market. While the canteen will charge Rs 10 per plate from the farmers and labourers, the remaining balance of Rs 15 per plate will be borne by the market committee. Similar canteens are being opened in other grain markets too.”

While addressing the people present on the occasion, Anil Vij said, “The shifting of grain market in Ambala Cantonment was one of our major and initial projects. Earlier, there used to be a small grain market in the congested area of Sadar Bazar in Ambala Cantonment due to which the residents used to face inconvenience. Due to the shortage of space, very little quantity of produce used to arrive. But after the BJP formed its government, the grain market was shifted and established along the national highway.”

“The grain market is doing well and a huge quantity of produce reaches here in every season, and it is beneficial for the farmers, labourers and the commission agents working in the grain market. It already has the facility of a rest house for the farmers and now, the canteen facility has also been started. At present, the canteen is being operated from the hall of the rest house, but the marketing board has identified a location to establish a permanent canteen in the grain market”, the Cabinet Minister said.

Neeraj Bhardwaj, secretary of the New Grain Market, Ambala Cantonment, said, “Atal Kisan-Mazdoor Canteen has been started in the grain market to provide good quality food at affordable prices to the farmers and labourers. A large number of farmers and labourers reach here during the season. At present, the canteen is being run from the hall of the rest house and a budget of Rs 7 lakh has been spent on setting up the canteen. Soon a new building of the canteen will be established. All efforts are being made to get the new building before the paddy procurement season.”

“For the existing setup, furniture, utensils, deep freezer and other required equipment have been purchased. The same will be shifted to the new building. During the season, we are expecting that about 200 persons will get the benefit of the canteen daily and it will be ensured that people get hygienic food,” he added.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ambala Cantonment Vinesh Kumar, District Marketing Enforcement Officer Rajiv Choudhary, GM Roadways Ashwini Dogra were among those present at the event.

Haryana Tribune