Chandigarh, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government is launching 100 canteens managed by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across major public institutions in the state to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women and provide affordable, hygienic and home-style meals to citizens.
Announcing the initiative, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the project fulfils a promise made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during the Women’s Day celebrations. The canteens are being established in Punjab Roadways bus stands, tehsils, Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Corporation offices, departmental headquarters and other major public institutions.
Cheema said the state government and Punjab State Rural Livelihoods Mission (PSRLM) would provide rent-free space, free electricity and water facilities at government offices. Kitchen equipment and utensils would also be provided to support the smooth functioning of the canteens.
To ensure quality and professional management, PSRLM is collaborating with district hotel management colleges to provide SHG members with seven to 10 days of professional training in cooking and canteen management.
The minister cited the pilot canteen at Vit-Te-Yojana Bhawan, Sector 33, Chandigarh, as an example of the model’s success. Managed by women from Mohali-based SHGs, the canteen serves breakfast, lunch and a 26-item menu.
Cheema said the expansion to 100 locations would create regular and dignified livelihood opportunities for thousands of rural women while providing affordable and nutritious food to lakhs of citizens.
Among those present at the occasion were ACS Finance Alok Shekhar, Secretary Rural Development Arshdeep Thind, JDC Rural Development Shena Aggarwal, Director (Treasury and Accounts) Aravind Kumar M.K., Member Secretary PDC Hargunjit Kaur, ACO PSRLM Rupali Tandon and PDC Member Vaibhav Maheshwari.
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