Surprise Visit to AHAAR Centres a mandatory: Payment to WSHG by 7th of Next Month

Bhubaneswar: Ahaar, a pioneering initiative by the Government of Odisha, has become a symbol of their profound commitment to the well-being of their citizens. What began as a modest effort with 21 Aahaar centres in 5 municipal corporations has now transformed into a powerful movement. Spanning across all 115 Urban Local Bodies in the state, Odisha now boasts a remarkable 167 Aahaar centres. Each day, this monumental endeavour touches the lives of approximately 1 lakh deserving individuals, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. As on date, over 150 million meals have been served to those in need.

To encourage community participation, the Government has initiated involvement of Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups in the end-to-end operations of the Aahaar Programme. The responsibility for operating and maintaining all 167 Aahaar Centres and 27 Aahaar kitchens has been handed over to MS-SHGs. Furthermore, 56 new Aahaar kitchens are being established with a budget of approximately Rs. 17 crores, which will also be entrusted to Mission Shakti Groups once they are ready. This initiative plays a vital role in empowering communities and enhancing their quality of life through economic self-reliance.

To support the financial needs of the SHGs, the government has directed Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to offer all necessary assistance to Mission Shakti SHGs and ensure timely release of remuneration to them by the 7th of each month without fail. The Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups have already earned over Rs. 13 crores as supervision charges from Aahaar, further promoting their financial independence.

To ensure smooth operations and maintain high standards, it has been decided for surprise visit a mandatory by Department Officers at various levels. Accordingly today Sarada Prasad Panda, Joint Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, and State Nodal Officer Aahaar had a surprise visit to the Aahaar centre at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar. The visit aimed to assess compliance with guidelines. He interacted with the Mission Shakti Self-Help Group in charge, and emphasized serving beneficiaries with dignity, minimizing food wastage, and providing special attention to vulnerable groups, maintaining sufficient stock of cleaning materials, use of protective wear during serving, regular cleaning and mopping throughout the service period.