MYSURU: Often trolled for offering candlelight dinners since power supply is invariably disrupted in the night, Indira Canteens set up across the city now face another problem. The operator alleges the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) hasn't reimbursed bills since May this year. A source in the revenue department said it’s because of the government’s farm loan waiver scheme.The first Indira Canteen was inaugurated in Mysuru on January 12 by chief minister Siddaramaiah. A Delhi-based company operates all the canteens, and food is supplied from two centralized kitchens. According to the operator, there are now 11 subsidized canteens. These canteens each serve about 500 breakfasts, lunches and dinner. But after the assembly elections in May, MCC, which is implementing the scheme in the city, hasn't cleared bills.An executive from the operating agency told TOI that payment for preparation and supply of food has been withheld since May. “Due to various reasons, payments have been withheld, creating huge problems for us,” he said. He also confirmed that in many canteens, power supply is often disrupted. “The power goes off for one or two days and then it’s rectified," he said.According to sources in the urban development department, operating the canteens is a tall order. "In a big city like Bengaluru, the BBMP has the required revenue to operate the canteens,” the source said. “It has a sustainable module too. But in smaller cities like Mysuru, these canteens are a big challenge for the local urban body. Due to the farm loan waiver scheme, all popular schemes launched by the previous government face a number of problems. It is a state-wide phenomenon.”Meanwhile, regular customers feel that the main drawback of Indira Canteens in the city is location. "In places like KR Hospital, bus stand and CADA office, demand is robust. But in other places, people need to travel some distance. The overall concept of these canteens and the food quality is good," said Savithri Raman, a resident of Sunnadakerei.When contacted MCC commissioner KH Jagadisha informed that the bills will be cleared after verifying them.

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