End Of Rs 10 Meal? Maharashtra’s Shiv Bhojan Scheme Under Review
The scheme was launched in 2020 during Covid-19 to provide nutritious meals at just Rs 10 per plate to the needy but rising costs and increasing financial burden have led the current government to rethink its continuation
The Maharashtra government is reportedly considering shutting down the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme in the next financial year due to monetary constraints.
Introduced during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s tenure, the subsidised meal programme was aimed at providing affordable food to the state’s poor and underprivileged citizens. However, rising costs and an increasing financial burden on the state treasury have led the current government to rethink its continuation.
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According to sources, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently held discussions with cabinet ministers regarding the scheme’s future and there are strong indications that budgetary allocations for it may be reduced or completely scrapped in the upcoming fiscal year.
The Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme was launched in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide nutritious meals at just Rs 10 per plate to the needy. Initially implemented in select urban areas, the programme was later expanded to rural regions as well.
Currently, 1,404 Shiv Bhojan centers operate across the state, serving between 1.75 to 2.07 lakh meals daily. The government covers Rs 50 per meal in urban areas and Rs 35 in rural regions, ensuring that economically weaker sections can afford a balanced diet. As of March 2023, over 29.62 crore plates had been distributed under the scheme, proving its significant role in tackling hunger and food insecurity among the poor.
The state spends approximately Rs 220 crore annually on running Shiv Bhojan centers, and with rising expenses, this cost is expected to increase further. Considering Maharashtra’s growing fiscal challenges, officials are now weighing the possibility of discontinuing the programme.
The final decision on the scheme’s fate is expected to be announced soon, likely as part of the upcoming state budget. While financial considerations play a crucial role in policy decisions, the government faces the challenge of balancing fiscal discipline with social welfare.
The Shiv Bhojan scheme has been a lifeline for many struggling families, and its potential closure has raised concerns about the impact on them. Whether the state will continue supporting the initiative or seek alternative solutions remains to be seen, but the debate over its necessity is already gaining momentum.
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