Dabbawalahs Get a New Avatar in Kerala
N S Sajith
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KUDUMBASHREE in Kerala has launched a new 'Lunch Bell' project which is akin to Mumbai's dabbawalas. Kudumbashree volunteers are distributing hot lunch boxes to offices via the PocketMart food delivery app. Orders will be accepted until 7 am, with lunch boxes scheduled for delivery by 12 pm. Volunteers will collect empty lunch boxes by 2 PM, ensuring a three-level hygiene wash before reuse.
The budget lunch box, priced at Rs 60, includes rice, sambar, pulissery, koottukari, chutney, and pickle, while the premium lunch box, costing Rs 99, has non-vegetarian dishes. Initially available at locations such as the secretariat, legislative assembly, Vikas Bhavan, government offices in public areas, banks, and private institutions in Thiruvananthapuram city, the Lunch Bell service will soon expand to rural areas. The second phase of the project will introduce the lunch service in Kochi.
The project was officially inaugurated on March 6 by M B Rajesh, minister of the local self-government department and excise department of the government of Kerala, at a programme held at KTDC Grand Chaithram Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.
In his inaugural address, the minister highlighted the Lunch Bell project would help in the economic empowerment of Kudumbashree women. The government's aim is to implement steps that enhance income improve the financial standing of Kudumbashree members by staying true to the organisation's fundamental objectives. The Lunch Bell scheme serves as an exemplary illustration of this commitment, emphasizing Kudumbashree's hallmark traits of craftsmanship and reliability.
Kudumbashree is dedicated to addressing the aspirations of the people, undertaking various income-boosting schemes. Initiatives such as Agri Kiosks for non-toxic vegetables and fruits, the K 4 Care scheme for geriatric-patient care, and the Rs 430 crore 'K-LIFT 24' (Kudumbashree Livelihood Initiative For Transformation) Project, aiming to create livelihood and employment opportunities for three lakh people in the next year, exemplify the government’s commitment to securing employment and income for women, the minister explained.
M B Rajesh underlined that over the next 25 years, Kudumbashree would play a pivotal role in providing more job opportunities for women, even in emerging technological sectors, and pave way for their economic and social empowerment. The government would provide all the required support for these measures. The minister flagged off the maiden journey of the food delivery team comprising women selected as part of the project.
The minister noted the growing demand for various food items through the Pocket Mart app. Jafar Malik, executive director of Kudumbashree, said that in the upcoming phase, efforts will be initiated to expand food distribution to all government and private institutions in Thiruvananthapuram, including Technopark, reflecting the organisation's commitment to broadening its impact.
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