In the bustling corridors of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), 40-year-old Poonam Devi moves with determination. Each day, she travels several kilometers from her village near Patna to manage a hospital canteen—a business she owns and operates.
“I used to work in the fields and earn nothing. Now, I bring home money. My husband and in-laws were initially unhappy with my decision to join a self-help group and step out of the house. But once they saw the money coming in, their attitude changed,” she said. Today, she earns more than her husband and enjoys a level of autonomy she never thought possible.
Poonam is one of 3,952 women associated with 'Didi Ki Rasoi' (DKR), an initiative launched in 2018 in Bihar’s Vaishali district. What started as a small canteen has now expanded into a network of 216 canteens across the state.
These canteens, entirely managed by rural women, provide hygienic and affordable food at hospitals, government offices, and educational institutions.
Currently, the DKR initiative operates in 36 district hospitals, 49 sub-divisional hospitals, 10 medical colleges and hospitals, 30 government offices, and 91 SC/ST residential schools. Since its inception, it has generated a total business of Rs 119 crore.
A Unique Ownership Model
Vimal Kumar, the block development manager for Didi Ki Rasoi in Patna, highlights the uniqueness of its structure.
“Here, all 'Didis' are owners. This sense of ownership transforms it from just a job into a partnership. It has also curbed corruption, which was previously rampant in contractor-run canteens,” he explained.
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A Test of Strength During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge for the women of DKR, but they persevered, continuing to provide food to hospitals and quarantine centers to support patients and frontline workers.
“It was a tough time, but we knew our work was crucial. The food had to be nutritious to help patients recover, so we continued despite the risks,” recalled Kanchan Devi, a cook at a canteen in Vaishali.
Breaking Barriers, One Meal at a Time
For many women, DKR has been a gateway to financial independence and self-respect. Rekha Kumari, 22, works as a cashier at a canteen in Muzaffarpur’s Sadar hospital. Coming from a financially strained family, she had to leave school after Class 12 and was married off at a young age.
“I had to fight against my family to join Didi Ki Rasoi. My husband even followed me to work, suspicious of what I was doing. But when I started bringing home money, they had to accept my job,” she said. Now, she is saving money to continue her education and pursue her dream of becoming a chartered accountant.
Parvati Kumari, a cook at the Sardar Patel Bhawan canteen, faced similar struggles. Married at 14, she had to drop out of school. After two decades, she has finally found independence through her job.
“I earn Rs 10,000 a month. My husband, a driver, and I together make Rs 40,000. My next priority is my children’s education. I tell them, ‘You can be anything you want. I will make sure of that,’” she said.
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Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Horizons
Despite the success of the initiative, challenges remain. Inflation and rising costs continue to impact profitability, and many women are eager to expand their businesses further.
“With rising costs, we are struggling to make ends meet. We want to expand by supplying food to more locations, including night shelters,” said Shobha Devi, a participant in the initiative.
Beyond food services, DKR has diversified into other areas, including hospital sanitation, patient clothing and laundry services, and helpdesks to assist visitors.
A Movement That Inspires
Despite the hardships, the women remain committed to their work.
“The respect we never received at home, we get here. Even when we are unwell or the weather is harsh, we still come because the appreciation we get here is something we have long yearned for,” Poonam said.
Her sentiment is shared by many women in the initiative—a movement that has empowered them, one meal at a time. As Poonam aptly put it, "This is just the beginning."
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