Bengaluru: If government had its way, by now, Bengaluru city should have got all 198 Indira Canteens proposed in the state budget. But, if sources are to be believed then it may take one more month to start these ambitious canteens proposed on lines of ‘Amma Canteens’ of Chennai, thanks to the difference of opinion between the various state holders.

When Chief Minister Siddaramaiah first proposed these canteens where breakfast will be served for Rs 5 while a meal would be available for Rs.10, he wanted to use the wide network of Women Self Help Groups to implement the project. This would have helped the government to generate employment besides ensuring good vote share in the coming election. But officials poured cold water stating self help groups may not able to ensure quality.

With this input, the state government tried to rope in ISKCON Akshaya Patra foundation. Even though foundation is ready, few officials, the Congress MLAs from city and corporators are against it stating that the foundation will not use onion and garlic to prepare food items making the food tasteless. Even though state government tried to use the hoteliers’ association to launch the project, fear of conflict of interest forced it to drop the proposal. Meanwhile, according to the reliable sources, state government is expected to join hands with women self help groups to launch the project on pilot basis.

“We have decided to test all our proposals on pilot basis and then take a decision,” said an official concerned.

However, with all the teething problems, if the government makes a headway in successfully running the canteen, it will be a role model for the entire country.