Amit Bathla Bathinda, June 25 Apni Rasoi, a project by the Red Cross Society, Bathinda, that now provides food at subsidised rate near the OPD of Civil Hospital, has been serving around 100 people a day. There is a significant upsurge in number of consumers after its location was changed to the present one, as earlier around 50 bought food at the booth in a day. The authorities have been successful in their objective to attract more people by changing its location. The booth that was earlier named ‘Sasti Rasoi’ provides food at Rs 10 per plate that includes dal or sabzi and four chapattis. Tables and chairs have also been brought in, so visitors can have lunch with ease under the shade of a tree. When The Tribune spoke to patients and visitors, they said the food being served at Apni Rasoi was satisfactory. Bhagwan Singh, who works at Apni Rasoi, said: “People, who are poor, can’t afford food at other places. The cost of a thali in the nearby canteen is Rs 50. They can get it at just Rs 10 from us. We operate for two and a half hours from 12 pm to 2:30 pm. The quantity of flour being used to make chapattis has also gone up. At the previous location, it was below 10 Kg. Now, it’s over 15 Kg.” Harbhagwan Singh, a visitor to the hospital, said: “We get affordable meal at Apni Rasoi. People who can’t afford expensive food at other places eat here. Daily-wage labourers, workers and others employed in high labour-intensive work had no choice but to eat unhygienic food available at some places earlier.” Another visitor, Shamshad Ali said: “It’s a good initiative. People coming to the hospital can avail lunch at an affordable cost.” He urged government officials to open such canteen across the city.

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