In Madhya Pradesh, the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana provides affordable meals at just Rs 5 per meal, helping around 15,000 people daily.
However, the scheme has a significant drawback – it requires a mobile phone for registration, which also needs an average monthly recharge of Rs 200. This additional cost is a barrier for many people who struggle to access the service.
The scheme has been running for over seven years, but recent changes in administration and Sunday closures have made it harder for the underprivileged to get meals. The mobile phone requirement, which involves receiving a One-Time Password (OTP) for registration, has created a problem for those without a phone or sufficient balance to recharge.
In Bhopal, for example, 400-500 people are turned away daily because they don’t have a mobile phone. Although no official rules have been set, local officials have enforced the system. Pankaj Rahi, manager of the Jahangirabad Deendayal Kitchen, says, "Mobile verification has become a hurdle. Many people leave hungry, and Sunday closures only make things worse."
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The closure of Deendayal Rasoi centers on Sundays also affects daily wage workers, who rely on these meals. About 191 centers across the state, with an annual budget of Rs 15 crore, mainly remain closed on Sundays. This leaves thousands without food, including 800-900 people who would typically visit the eight centers in Bhopal.
Despite these issues, the food provided is of good quality and nutritious. However, the mobile phone verification system and the Sunday closures are causing frustration for both the people in need and the administrators trying to serve them.
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