Samridhi@Kochi diversifies operations with canteen vertical
Four years after its introduction as part of a State government-backed hunger-free project, Samridhi@Kochi, a budget eatery run jointly by the Kochi Corporation and the Ernakulam district mission of the Kudumbashree, is all set to further diversify and establish itself as a brand in running canteens.
The inauguration of its canteen at the Greater Cochin Development Authority office here on Monday was the first step in that direction. Samridhi@Kochi has already been offering catering services, including at fairs and functions organised by the State government.
'The idea is to introduce the canteen model, and going forward, we expect to get more inquiries in this vertical,' said P.A. Ajith, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree (Micro Enterprises). Kochi, being a commercial hub and home to numerous offices, Kudumbashree remains confident that the brand Samridhi will be able to make quick strides. Having a central kitchen at the Samridhi@Kochi budget hotel near the North railway station also helps.
The introduction of the canteen vertical is expected to add another 20 to 25 jobs to Samridhi's 110-strong current workforce. Women associated with Samridhi get a minimum monthly pay of ₹20,000, which touches the ₹40,000- ₹45,000 range based on various grades and allowances.
Samridhi's diversification is not restricted to the canteen service alone. 'We are in talks with the Railway to sell Samridhi-branded food inside the South and North railway stations and trains, besides putting up kiosks outside these stations. We are also exploring the scope of accepting online-based orders and even door delivery of food,' said Mr. Ajith.
When Samridhi@Kochi started in 2021, it offered meals for ₹10 with the State government offering another ₹10 as a subsidy. Though the government stopped that subsidy in August 2023, meals continue to be effectively sold for ₹20, notwithstanding the surge in the prices of essential items since then. This has been made possible by including more items in the menu at reasonable prices and thus facilitating cross-subsidy.
Samridhi@Kochi sells 2,500 to 3,000 meals a day and is now open around the clock. The basic principle is to offer quality food at reasonable prices while generating jobs with decent income.
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