West Bengal Maa Canteen Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

• With the aim of benefiting the poor and needy of the state, the West Bengal government has launched an initiative called "MAA Canteen Scheme".
• Under this scheme, the state government is providing cooked meals to vulnerable sections of society at an affordable price.
• MAA Canteen Scheme provides hot cooked meals to its beneficiaries for just Rs 5/ per plate.
• To extend the benefit of hot cooked meals, the government has established various canteens in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state.
• After its launch, the scheme is also known by other names, such as "WB Maa Canteen Yojana" or "MAA Canteen Prakalpa" or "MAA Canteen" or "Maa Canteen Yojana in West Bengal".
• Initially, the scheme was launched in 7 Municipal Corporation. After receiving an overwhelming response from citizens, it was expanded to all ULBs, including the New Kolkata Development Authority.
• MAA Canteens are primarily run by the women of Self Help Groups (SHGs) registered with the state government.
• The meal provided under the scheme cost Rs 15/ per plate.
• The government is providing a subsidy of Rs. 10/- to the canteen for per meal, and the remaining contribution of Rs 5 is collected from the respective beneficiaries.
• The implementation of the scheme is overseen by the State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department.
• The primary beneficiary of the Maa Canteen Scheme are the Poor, needy and vulnerable sections of the society.
• They can avail the benefits of hot cooked meals from the canteen established under the scheme.
• Currently, 249 canteens are operational under the scheme, benefitting more than 15 lakh every month.
• The government is keen to helping vulnerable sections through its various schemes like West Bengal Khadya Sathi Scheme.
• Meals under the MAA Canteen Scheme are served daily between 12 noon to 3 pm, including on public holidays.
• Beneficiaries can visit the canteen during the canteen operation hours to avail of the cooked meal at Rs 5/-.
• However, to receive food under the MAA Canteen Scheme, they need to collect the token from the counter first.
• Token for the MAA Canteen Scheme can be collected between 11 am to 12 noon.
• The meal provided under the scheme consists of Rice, Daal, Sabji and Egg on Sundays.
• All canteens established under the scheme are equipped with dining and drinking water facilities.
• At regular intervals, the government also invites tender for the operation and maintenance of MAA Canteens.
• Eligible applicants who meet the guidelines can apply for a MAA Canteen license.
• For more details about the MAA Canteen License, applicants can contact the Municipal Corporation of their respective ULBs.
• If beneficiaries have any queries regarding the MAA Canteen Scheme, they can visit the scheme's nodal authority office.

Scheme Benefits

• Under the MAA Canteen Scheme, the West Bengal Government is providing the following benefits to its beneficiaries : -
  • Nutritious cooked meals for the needy at Rs 5/- per plate.
  • Meals can be availed from the nearest MAA Canteen.
  • Every cooked meal consists of Rice, Daal, Sabji and a Egg on Sundays.
  • Canteen will be operated daily even on public holidays.
  • Canteens are equipped with dining and drinking water facilities.

Eligibility Requirements

• The nutritious meals to the needy under the WB Maa Canteen Scheme will be provided to beneficiaries who meet the following eligibility criteria : -
  • The beneficiaries must be poor and belong to vulnerable section of the society.
  • The beneficiaries must be a domiciled resident of West Bengal.
  • Beneficiaries must collect a token from the counter during the given hours only.

Required Documents

• Due to the limited information shared on the portal, it is not clear whether beneficiaries need to submit any documents to avail of the scheme benefits. However, if required, then it is expected to be asked to furnish : -
  • Aadhaar Card.
  • Ration Card.

Steps to Apply

• Beneficiaries are not required to submit applications for the WB Maa Canteen Scheme.
• Eligible beneficiaries can directly avail the scheme benefits from the canteen established under the scheme.
• To avail of the benefits of a cooked meal, beneficiaries need to visit the nearest canteen.
• First, they need to collect the token from the counter by paying Rs 5/-.
• After obtaining a token, they can avail the cooked meal thali and enjoy the food.
• MAA Canteen will be operated daily between 12 Noon to 3 PM.
• Beneficiaries must collect their coupon between 11 AM to 12 Noon.

Relevant Links

• West Bengal Maa Canteen Scheme Guidelines.
• State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department Website.

Contact Information

• For any queries related to the scheme, beneficiaries must reach out to the nearest canteen or they can also visit the scheme nodal department office.
• Nagarayan, DF-8, Sector-I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata- 700064