What is the purpose of Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Indira Amma Bhojanalya is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Self Help Groups (SHGS) through benefits related to Social welfare & Empowerment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.

Who can apply for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Eligibility for Indira Amma Bhojanalya may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.

What benefits are offered under Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Benefits under Indira Amma Bhojanalya may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.

Which department manages Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Indira Amma Bhojanalya is managed by District Rural Development and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.

Can users apply online for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Indira Amma Bhojanalya through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.

Where can users apply for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Applications for Indira Amma Bhojanalya may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.

What documents may be required for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.

Is income certificate required for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Indira Amma Bhojanalya.

Is Indira Amma Bhojanalya available in all states?

No, Indira Amma Bhojanalya is primarily available for eligible residents of Uttarakhand and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.

Can residents outside Uttarakhand apply for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Eligibility for Indira Amma Bhojanalya is generally limited to residents of Uttarakhand unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.

Is Indira Amma Bhojanalya only for women beneficiaries?

Indira Amma Bhojanalya is primarily intended to support eligible women beneficiaries through welfare assistance, financial support, skill development, healthcare, or social security initiatives.

Does Indira Amma Bhojanalya support self-employment or financial assistance for women?

Depending on scheme guidelines, Indira Amma Bhojanalya may provide loans, subsidies, training support, self-employment assistance, or financial welfare benefits for women.

Can CSC centres help users apply for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.

How can users check the latest updates for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.

Can beneficiaries track application status for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?

Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.

Where can users get help for Indira Amma Bhojanalya in Uttarakhand?

Users in Uttarakhand may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.

Which nearby public services may help with Indira Amma Bhojanalya applications?

Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.

IABUK

Indira Amma Bhojanalya

6.2/10

Indira Amma Bhojanalya aims to provide nutritious and affordable meals at subsidized rates to economically disadvantaged individuals in Uttarakhand. Under this initiative, meals are offered at a cost of ₹25 per plate in hilly areas and ₹20 in districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital, with the State Government covering a subsidy of ₹10 per plate. The scheme empowers women's self-help groups (SHGs) by enabling them to operate canteens, thereby generating continuous income and enhancing economic stability for women in rural areas. Essential resources such as free space, furniture, and utilities like electricity and water are provided by local authorities, facilitating the smooth operation of these canteens. To be eligible, SHGs must be formed according to the National Rural Livelihoods Mission guidelines and maintain proper records of beneficiaries to ensure transparency. The scheme not only addresses food security but also strengthens the economic position of women in the community.

State In Kind

States / UT: Uttarakhand

Nodal department: District Rural Development

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Social welfare & Empowerment, Women and Child

Sub-categories: Food Security / Public Distribution System

Target beneficiaries: Self Help Groups (SHGS)

Tags: Canteen, Cheap Food, Affordable Food, Food At Subsidized Rate, SHG, Women Self-help Group

Details

The scheme "Indira Amma Bhojanalaya" was introduced by the Rural Development Department, Government of Uttarakhand, aims to arrange and operate cheap food canteens in the state. The primary objective of the scheme is to provide nutritious and affordable food to the poor and needy sections of society and to economically strengthen rural women's self-help groups (SHGs) by providing continuous income-generating employment through the operation of these canteens. The canteens are operated by women's self-help groups under the supervision and control of the Chief Development Officer (CDO). The canteens will be established in the headquarters of each district.

Benefits

1. Nutritious and affordable food at subsidized rates. 2. Subsidized Rates:
The consumer pays ₹25/- per plate in hilly areas
The consumer pays ₹20/- per plate in Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital districts
A subsidy of ₹10/- per plate is borne by the State Government. 3. The Urban Development Authority, Municipal Corporation, or Municipality provides free space, furniture, and other essential resources required for the operation of the canteen. 4. Uttarakhand Power Corporation and Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan provide electricity and water, respectively, free of cost. 5. The arrangement of fuel/LPG gas for running the canteen is made through the District Supply Officer. 6. Provides continuous income-generating employment, leading to economic strengthening for women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Conditions: 1. Maximum 1,200 plates of food are to be provided per day in high-population districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar. 1. A maximum of 800 plates of food are to be provided per day in other districts. 1. Canteens opened solely for employees within office premises are not eligible for subsidy. 1. The State Government reserves the right to determine future subsidies based on the canteen's annual income or profit. 1. Canteens aiming to become self-sustainable will continue to receive facilitator support from the State Government

Nutritious and affordable food at subsidized rates.
Subsidized Rates:

The consumer pays ₹25/- per plate in hilly areas.
The consumer pays ₹20/- per plate in Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital districts.
A subsidy of ₹10/- per plate is borne by the State Government.

The Urban Development Authority, Municipal Corporation, or Municipality provides free space, furniture, and other essential resources required for the operation of the canteen.
Uttarakhand Power Corporation and Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan provide electricity and water, respectively, free of cost.
The arrangement of fuel/LPG gas for running the canteen is made through the District Supply Officer.
6.*** Provides continuous income-generating employment, leading to economic strengthening for women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Conditions:

Maximum 1,200 plates of food are to be provided per day in high-population districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar.
A maximum of 800 plates of food are to be provided per day in other districts.
Canteens opened solely for employees within office premises are not eligible for subsidy.
The State Government reserves the right to determine future subsidies based on the canteen's annual income or profit.
Canteens aiming to become self-sustainable will continue to receive facilitator support from the State Government.

Eligibility

The applicant should be a women Self-Help Group (SHG) formed according to the guiding principles of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed as per NRLM guidelines that are actively functioning and have received the minimum Revolving Fund (RF) — either under the restructured SGSY scheme or directly under NRLM, if not previously covered under SGSY — shall be eligible to operate the canteen.
In urban areas, self-help groups (SHGs) under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) are also eligible to operate Indira Amma Canteens. The Rural Development Department provides grants to support these groups in running the canteens.

Notes:__

It is essential for self-help groups to maintain complete records of beneficiaries, including their names and places of residence, to ensure transparency and prevent any irregularities in receiving contributions provided by the state government.
SHGs formed under NRLM guidelines and having received the Community Investment Fund (CIF) or a Micro Credit Plan specifically for operating an Indira Amma Canteen will be given preference.
The tenure of operation of State Government funded/aided canteens operating in Municipal Corporation areas shall be maximum of 01 year and thereafter they will be eligible to operate the canteen again only after a period of 02 years.
Except Municipal Corporation areas, the tenure of operation of canteens funded/aided by the State Government in other institutions/offices/bodies etc. will be maximum 02 years. Thereafter, they will be eligible to operate the canteen again only after a period of 04 years.

Exclusions

The applicant self-help group cannot be allotted more than one Indira Amma Canteen.
The use of any type of intoxicant or smoking within the Indira Amma Canteen premises is strictly prohibited; violation will lead to termination of the canteen operation.
Canteens opened within government office premises will not receive a subsidy.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.2

/ 10

Public Benefit Score

Accessibility 7.0/10 Good

Rural usefulness 8.0/10 Good

Application complexity 7.0/10 Challenging

Financial impact 4.0/10 Moderate

Literacy barrier 4.0/10 Moderate

Women inclusivity 10.0/10 Good

Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate

Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good

Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens

Accessibility7.0
Financial impact4.0
Rural utility8.0
Awareness4.5
Simplicity3.0
Inclusivity10.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The Indira Amma Bhojanalya scheme provides affordable meals while empowering women's self-help groups, addressing food security in rural areas.

Key challenges addressed

Food insecurity among economically disadvantaged individuals
Economic empowerment of women through self-help groups

Most beneficial for

Women self-help groups
Low-income families
Rural communities

Likely challenges

Awareness of the scheme among potential beneficiaries
Operational challenges for self-help groups

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical but requires effective communication to reach potential beneficiaries.

Rural challenges

Limited awareness of the scheme
Operational challenges for self-help groups

Implementation bottlenecks

Need for transparency in beneficiary records

Awareness challenges

Low awareness among potential beneficiaries

Application analysis

Application mode: Offline office
Verification complexity: Moderate
Office dependency: High
DBT dependency: None
CSC support: Limited
Estimated citizen effort: Moderate

Estimated beneficiary reach

Rural / urban reach High
Gender reach Female-focused
Target income group Low-income groups
Occupation reach Women in self-help groups

Benefit analysis

Benefit type: In Kind
Benefit frequency: Daily meals
Benefit practicality: High, as meals are provided at subsidized rates
Financial meaningfulness: Moderate, as the cost is low but dependent on local subsidies
Long-term impact: Positive, as it promotes food security and women's empowerment

Plain-language guidance

Indira Amma Bhojanalya provides affordable meals to low-income families and empowers women's self-help groups to operate canteens. Meals are available at subsidized rates in various districts.

Who should apply: Women self-help groups looking to operate canteens.
Who may struggle: Individuals unfamiliar with the application process or lacking documentation.
Best application route: Apply through the nearest Chief Development Officer's office.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

The concerned district will publish advertisements in at least two national newspapers for the selection of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Visit your nearest Chief Development Officer under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM).

Note:

For opening any Indira Amma Canteen, advertisement will be given in at least 02 national newspapers by the concerned district for the selection of self-help group.
In selection, priority will be given to the self-help group of the same Nyaya Panchayat that wants to establish canteen in the Nyaya Panchayat or in the adjoining municipal body.
If more than one self-help group is found eligible for the same canteen then in such a case, the group will be selected on a lottery basis.
The records of the selected self-help group, like bank account number, MIS number, copy of passbook, photocopy of proposal for opening canteen of SHG, photograph of all the members of the group, etc., will be preserved after selection of the group in the concerned district.
The committee constituted under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate will also ensure that every member of the group to which Indira Amma Canteen is being allotted, and that group is completely as per the NRLM standards. Under no circumstances should anyone else be given the benefit under the said scheme.
More than one canteen cannot be allotted to a Self-Help Group.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the objective of this scheme?: The main objectives are to provide nutritious and affordable meals to the poor and needy, and to strengthen women's self-help groups by empowering them economically.
How does the scheme specifically aim to empower women in rural areas?: The scheme aims to empower women by providing self-help groups with opportunities to operate the canteens, thereby generating continuous livelihood opportunities for their members.
How much does one meal plate cost for a consumer in hilly districts under this scheme?: In hilly districts, one meal plate costs ₹25.00 for the consumer under the Indira Amma Bhojanalaya Yojana.
What is the cost of a meal plate in plain districts like Dehradun under the scheme?: In plain districts such as Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital, a meal plate costs ₹20.00 for the consumer.
How much subsidy does the State Government provide per meal plate, and which department bears this cost?: The State Government provides a subsidy of ₹10.00 per meal plate, and the Rural Development Department bears the entire expenditure.
Will the subsidy amount for the canteens remain fixed, or can it be adjusted in the future?: The determination of future subsidy amounts for canteens will be based on their annual income and profit, decided by a committee headed by the District Magistrate.
Who is responsible for the overall supervision and control of the Indira Amma Canteens at the district level?: The Chief Development Officer holds overall responsibility for the overall supervision, control, smooth operation, and implementation of the Indira Amma Canteens.
Where are the Indira Amma Canteens typically set up within a district?: The Indira Amma Canteens are typically set up at the headquarters of each district across the state.
Who is responsible for providing the physical space and basic infrastructure, such as furniture, for the canteens?: Urban Development Authorities, Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Panchayats are responsible for providing free space, land, furniture, and other basic facilities.
Who is specifically responsible for making arrangements for cooking fuel, such as LPG gas, for the canteens?: The District Supply Officer is responsible for making the arrangements for cooking fuel, such as LPG gas, for the canteens.
What is the maximum number of meals provided daily in high-population districts like Dehradun under this scheme?: In high-population districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar, a maximum of 1,200 meals are provided daily.
What is the minimum revolving fund amount a self-help group must have received to be eligible to operate a canteen?: A self-help group must have received a revolving fund (seed money) of at least ₹15,000 to be eligible.
Can urban self-help groups also operate Indira Amma Canteens, and if so, under what conditions?: Yes, self-help groups operating under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) in urban bodies may also be eligible if permitted by the Urban Development Department and granted by the Rural Development Department.
What kind of records must self-help groups maintain regarding the beneficiaries of the meals?: Self-help groups must maintain complete details of beneficiaries, including their name and address, to ensure transparency in receiving government subsidies.
Are there any specific prohibitions regarding the conduct or activities within the canteen premises?: Yes, the use of any type of intoxicant or smoking within the Indira Amma Canteen premises is strictly prohibited.
What happens if a self-help group fails to maintain proper income and expenditure records for the canteen?: If a self-help group fails to maintain clear income and expenditure records, their canteen operation will be terminated. This rule applies to all existing canteens as well.

Official links

References

Official Website: https://ukrd.uk.gov.in/scheme/pradhan-mantri-adarsh-gram-yojana/
Guidelines: https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3e9412ee564384b987d086df32d4ce6b7/uploads/2025/02/202503261176675193.pdf

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Canteen Cheap Food Affordable Food Food At Subsidized Rate SHG Women Self-help Group

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Indira Amma Bhojanalya is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Self Help Groups (SHGS) through benefits related to Social welfare & Empowerment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Eligibility for Indira Amma Bhojanalya may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Benefits under Indira Amma Bhojanalya may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Indira Amma Bhojanalya is managed by District Rural Development and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Indira Amma Bhojanalya through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Applications for Indira Amma Bhojanalya may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Indira Amma Bhojanalya.
Is Indira Amma Bhojanalya available in all states?: No, Indira Amma Bhojanalya is primarily available for eligible residents of Uttarakhand and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Uttarakhand apply for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Eligibility for Indira Amma Bhojanalya is generally limited to residents of Uttarakhand unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Is Indira Amma Bhojanalya only for women beneficiaries?: Indira Amma Bhojanalya is primarily intended to support eligible women beneficiaries through welfare assistance, financial support, skill development, healthcare, or social security initiatives.
Does Indira Amma Bhojanalya support self-employment or financial assistance for women?: Depending on scheme guidelines, Indira Amma Bhojanalya may provide loans, subsidies, training support, self-employment assistance, or financial welfare benefits for women.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Indira Amma Bhojanalya?: Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Indira Amma Bhojanalya in Uttarakhand?: Users in Uttarakhand may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Indira Amma Bhojanalya applications?: Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.