AI SummaryIndira Amma Bhojanalaya is a community canteen scheme run by the Rural Development Department, Government of Uttarakhand. It serves nutritious and affordable meals to poor and needy people while giving women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) a steady way to earn through the operation of these canteens.
The scheme started in 2015 under Government Order No. 1135/xi/15/56(38)2015 dated 25.08.2015. As of August 2026, the scheme is still in place in the state, although many canteens have shut down and a proposal to raise meal prices is under review with the state government.
Indira Amma Bhojanalaya - Introduction
Indira Amma Bhojanalaya acts as a support system for the community by supplying cheap and wholesome food to people in need. The Rural Development Department of the Government of Uttarakhand lets women's Self-Help Groups run these canteens, which gives them regular income and a way to support themselves. The canteens work under the direct supervision and control of the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and are set up at the headquarters of each district.
The Urban Development Authority, Municipal Corporation or Municipality provides free space and furniture needed to run the canteen. The Uttarakhand Power Corporation supplies electricity free of cost and the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan provides water free of charge. The arrangement of LPG fuel is done through the District Supply Officer.
In 2026, the rising cost of food grains, vegetables and fuel has made it hard for operators to serve a full meal at the old price. A proposal to increase the plate price has been sent to the state government, though no final decision has been made yet.
There have also been operational setbacks. The state had planned to set up 100 bhojanalayas, but only 42 were opened and about 19 of these have now closed. In Dehradun, five of the ten canteens are shut. Actual meal prices now differ from district to district, with a plate costing around ₹50 in Pauri and about ₹80 in Rudrapur.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Indira Amma Bhojanalaya |
| Level | State |
| Launched | 2015 |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment, Women and Child |
| Target Beneficiaries | Self Help Groups (SHGs) |
| Sub Category | Food Security / Public Distribution System |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | District Rural Development |
Benefits
Indira Amma Bhojanalaya serves nutritious food at reduced cost. The State Government bears a subsidy of ₹10 per plate to keep the food within reach of ordinary people.
| Location | Price per Plate |
| Hilly Districts | ₹25 |
| Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital | ₹20 |
Local authorities provide free space and essential furniture. Free electricity and water come from the Uttarakhand Power Corporation and the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan, respectively. The District Supply Officer arranges the LPG fuel. This scheme offers women's groups a stable way to earn while serving the community.
In 2026, a proposal has been put forward to raise the plate price from ₹30 to around ₹50 in Dehradun because of rising costs. The government may also consider increasing the subsidy so that the final price stays within reach of common people. No final decision has been announced yet.
Key Operational Conditions:
- In high-populous districts such as Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, a maximum of 1,200 plates can be served per day.
- In all other districts, the limit is 800 plates per day.
- Canteens meant only for internal office staff do not receive subsidies.
- The subsidy is reviewed every year based on the income performance of the canteen.
Eligibility
To take part, a women's Self-Help Group (SHG) formed under the guidelines of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is required. For example, if Anjali leads an active local SHG that has received its Revolving Fund (RF) under NRLM, her group can apply.
Urban-based groups under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) may also qualify for grants from the Rural Development Department.
Important Operational Rules:
- Detailed records of every beneficiary, including names and addresses, must be kept so that there is no irregularity in the contribution given by the state government.
- Groups that have received the Community Investment Fund (CIF) or hold a formal Micro Credit Plan get preference.
- In Municipal Corporation areas, the tenure is 1 year, with a 2-year gap before reapplying.
- Outside municipal areas, the tenure is 2 years, followed by a 4-year gap before reapplying.
Exclusions
Some conditions stop a group from operating a canteen. These rules are meant to keep the scheme clear and fair for everyone.
- One Self-Help Group cannot operate more than one Indira Amma Canteen.
- A clean environment must be maintained; the use of tobacco or intoxicants on site leads to the immediate cancellation of the agreement.
- A canteen opened only for government department staff does not qualify for state subsidies.
Application Process
The district administration invites applications through advertisements in at least two national newspapers. Contact the office of the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to ask about current vacancies near your location.
STEP 1 - Check the district notice board and newspapers for the advertisement inviting applications from women's Self-Help Groups for running the canteen.
STEP 2 - Prepare the formal proposal for canteen operation along with the required documents of the group, including bank details, MIS number, passbook copy and photographs of all members.
STEP 3 - Submit the application to the office of the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of your district. Priority is given to SHGs operating within the same Nyaya Panchayat or the adjoining municipal body where the canteen is located.
STEP 4 - If more than one group applies and meets the criteria, a lottery system decides the selection under the supervision of the District Magistrate, who makes sure the group follows NRLM standards.
STEP 5 - Once selected, keep all records, including bank details, photos of members and the formal proposal, at the district office and update the daily registers, cashbooks and stock books regularly.
Documents
These documents are required when a group applies and after selection to run the canteen smoothly.
- Bank account details of the SHG.
- Valid MIS number of the group.
- Passbook copy.
- Formal proposal document for canteen operation.
- Photographs of all group members.
- Daily registers, cashbooks and stock books updated regularly on site.
References
Official Website | Guidelines | Selection Notice | 2026 Price Update
FAQ's
What is the objective of this scheme?
The main aims are to provide nutritious and affordable meals to the needy and to strengthen women's self-help groups economically.
How does the scheme help women?
The scheme helps women by giving SHGs the responsibility of managing canteens, which creates regular income and work opportunities for them.
How much does a meal cost in hilly districts?
In hilly districts, one meal plate costs the consumer ₹25.
What is the cost of a meal in plain districts?
In districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital, a meal plate costs the consumer ₹20.
Is the meal price changing in 2026?
A proposal has been sent to the state government to raise the plate price because of rising costs. No final decision has been announced yet.
How is the subsidy managed?
The State Government provides a subsidy of ₹10 per plate, managed by the Rural Development Department.
Who supervises the canteens?
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) holds overall responsibility for the control and operation of these canteens within the district.
Are there rules about record keeping?
Yes, failure to maintain clear income and expenditure books leads to the immediate termination of the canteen's operation.