Odisha to seek corporate CSR funding for 'Aahaar' scheme

Under this programme, the beneficiaries pay Rs five for each cooked meal, while the implementing partners pay Rs 15

Aiming to mobilise resources for 'Aahaar', a subsidised meals scheme, the Odisha government plans to reach out to corporates to contribute wilfully under their CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative.

Aahaar, a people-centred scheme is in operation since April 2015. Under this programme, cooked meals are served to the beneficiaries. While the beneficiaries pay Rs five, the implementing partners pay Rs 15 for each meal.

The state government runs 115 Aahaar centres covering 77 urban local bodies in 30 districts across the state. Around 70,000 meals are served each day throughout the year barring Sundays.

The cost of running the scheme