The BJP government in West Bengal has renamed the popular subsidised meal programme 'Maa Canteen' as 'Maa Aahar', while retaining the scheme launched under the previous Trinamool Congress administration.
The announcement was made during the first full cabinet meeting of the new government at Nabanna on Wednesday, two days after the swearing-in of the state's complete council of ministers.
New name for existing welfare scheme
Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh said the government had decided to change the name of the project.
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"The name of the Maa project has been changed to Maa Aahar," Dilip Ghosh said. The minister also announced an expansion of the programme across the state.
110 more centres to be added
According to Ghosh, the subsidised meal scheme currently operates through 390 centres. The government now plans to open 110 additional outlets.
"Earlier, food under the Maa Canteen scheme was available at 390 centres. Now, 110 new Maa Aahar centres will be set up. Meals will be provided for ₹5 at a total of 500 centres," he said.
Once the expansion is completed, meals priced at ₹5 will be available from a total of 500 centres.
Concerns over closure after change in government
After the results of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election led to a change in government, there had been speculation over the future of Maa Canteen.
However, the BJP government had earlier clarified that no welfare programme benefiting the public would be discontinued. Around the same time, discussions were also underway on modifying the menu, with fish and rice being considered in place of the existing egg-and-rice meal.
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What is the Maa Canteen scheme?
Maa Canteen was introduced ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections on the instructions of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The initiative was first launched in the Deshapriya Park Durga Puja committee area in south Kolkata, where workers were provided lunch at a nominal cost of ₹5.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries are served rice, lentils and either egg curry or a boiled egg during lunch hours. The programme was primarily designed to help economically weaker sections, particularly those visiting government hospitals for treatment, access affordable meals at a minimal cost.
