Jharkhand Guruji Kitchen Scheme 2026 to Replace Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojana

Jharkhand government's Guruji Kitchen Scheme 2026 serves full meals at Rs. 5 a plate to poor families through dal bhat kendras across the state. The scheme replaced the Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojana and now runs 370 dal bhat kendras that feed daily wage workers, urban workers, street vendors and other needy people.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has asked the food, public distribution and consumer affairs department to expand the dal bhat kendras, especially for urban workers. In a review meeting held in June 2026, he directed officials to identify new locations for dal bhat kendras and develop some of them as model centres.

Jharkhand Guruji Kitchen Scheme 2026

The scheme was announced on 3 March 2021 by the former finance minister Rameshwar Oraon while presenting the Jharkhand Budget 2026. He praised the earlier work for the Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojana and said the Guruji Kitchen Scheme would carry forward the same work of providing meals to poor people. Today the scheme is run by the food, public distribution and consumer affairs department of the state government.

Guruji Kitchen to Replace Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojana

Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojana was started to provide nutritious food to the people of the state. The state government later changed the name of the Dal Bhat scheme to Guruji Kitchen. The new name comes from CM Hemant Soren's father Shibu Soren, whose JMM party supporters fondly call him Guruji.

Former finance minister Rameshwar Oraon had mentioned that a few years ago he visited the Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Kendras in remote places of Gumla and Lohardaga districts. He himself ate at these centres a couple of times. They served rice, pulses and vegetables. The quality of the food was good and hence the Jharkhand government decided to strengthen the earlier Dal Bhat scheme.

Expansion of Dal Bhat Kendras in 2026

The state government is now working to increase the number of dal bhat kendras. In a review meeting in June 2026, officials told the chief minister that 370 dal bhat kendras are running in the state where people get a full meal for Rs. 5. The chief minister asked to increase the number of centres and set up new dal bhat kendras for urban workers. He also said to develop some of the centres as model dal bhat kendras.

Earlier, the state had 377 dal bhat kendras across 24 districts, out of which 11 operated as night centres. While the existing centres will remain, the Jharkhand government will increase their numbers, strengthen the infrastructure and improve the hygiene of the existing ones.

Implementation of Guruji Kitchen Scheme

These Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat centres are operated by self-help groups which feed people with the following:-

• Rice
• Pulses
• Vegetables
• Grams
• Soya chunks

The per plate cost under the scheme is Rs. 5. Meals are served at Rs. 5 a plate in the same manner in Guruji Kitchen Scheme, but the nutrient value of food is being improved. The state government supplies rice to these SHGs at Rs. 1 per kg while the district administration procures pulses, fuel and other items through open tenders. These centres usually feed between 50 and 200 people each day.

Funds Allocation for Guruji Kitchen Scheme in Jharkhand

The state government uses the funds allocated for Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojana for the new Guruji Kitchen Scheme implementation. In FY 2019-2020, the erstwhile Raghubar Das government had allocated Rs. 70 crore for the scheme.

Launched in 2011 by former chief minister Arjun Munda, the scheme was strengthened during the tenure of Das (2014-2019). In urban areas, non-profit organisations were roped in under the scheme to provide hygienic meals on wheels at Rs. 10 a plate. In the 2019 poll canvassing, Raghubar Das had announced to start Mukhyamantri Canteen Yojana if voted to power.

Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana Now Stands Closed

Earlier Jharkhand government led by former CM Raghubar Das had launched Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana. This scheme was launched to provide meals to poor people which now stands closed. Under this CM Annapoorna Yojana, the state government was providing fresh and full tummy meals to hungry people in just Rs. 10. In the first phase, the government had started a pilot project of the Rs. 10 Meal Scheme in Ranchi, Dumka, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Palamu which was extended in later phases. This scheme was started to reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and ensure proper nutrition to all, especially to women and children.

FAQ's

Is Guruji Kitchen Scheme still running in Jharkhand?

Yes, the scheme is still running. Around 370 dal bhat kendras are operating in the state and the government is working to add more centres, especially for urban workers.

How much does a meal cost under the scheme?

A full meal of rice, pulses and vegetables is served at Rs. 5 a plate at the dal bhat kendras.

Who runs the dal bhat kendras?

The centres are operated by self-help groups. The state government supplies rice at Rs. 1 per kg while the district administration procures pulses, fuel and other items through open tenders.

Source / Reference Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/guruji-kitchen-to-be-launched-soon/articleshow/81336415.cms