New Delhi: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will inaugurate 512 new Indira Rasois (Indira Kitchens) in Jodhpur on Sunday. The total number of Indira Rasois in the state will reach 870, including the 378 that are already in place. It should be noted that Gehlot began 358 permanent kitchens in 213 urban bodies in August 2020, with the concept of 'No One Sleeps Hungry.'


The District level Coordination and Monitoring Committee, chaired by the district collector, selects local institutions or NGOs to run the kitchen for the scheme's implementation and monitoring.


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One-Time Meal For Rs 8 


The poor are given a one-time meal for Rs 8 through Indira Rasoi. The scheme provided a subsidy of Rs 12 per plate to kitchen operators, which was increased to Rs 17 per plate on January 1, 2022. An advance of Rs 50,000 has been made available to Indira Rasois operators to cover the costs of daily routine work as well as electricity, water, internet bill, kitchen repair, and so on.


7 Crore Food Plates Served


As per an official statement, this scheme has served 7.01 crore food plates so far, accounting for 73.23% of the target. Every year, 13.81 crore food plates will be served to the needy with the efforts of 1000 Indira Rasois.


At Indira Rasoi, each person is served 100 grams of Dal, 100 grams of Subji, Roti, and a pickle. People can sponsor food for the beneficiaries on their birthdays, anniversaries, and other family events, and 3525 philanthropists have done so so far, the statement informed.


At present, 358 kitchens are being operated and in this year’s budget, the government committed to increasing the number of Indira Rasois to 1000. A provision of Rs 125 crore was made in the scheme and in the 2022-23 budget, it was further increased to Rs 250 crore.


Under the scheme, a subsidy of 50% is given to the urban bodies from the State Finance Commission and the remaining 50% subsidy is given primarily from the Chief Minister Relief Fund or from other heads if required. A lump sum of Rs 5 lakh per kitchen for its infrastructure and Rs 3 lakh per annum is given for the recurring structure, the government said.