‘Akka Cafe’ to open in Udupi for women empowerment and public convenience

Team Udayavani, Dec 26, 2024, 4:53 PM IST

akka cafe

Manipal: The “Akka Cafe,” a women-run initiative modeled after the Indira Canteen, could soon make its way to Udupi, offering affordable food to the public. The District Women’s Empowerment Groups have already requested the establishment of such a café.

A proposal with a budget of ₹30 lakh has been submitted to the District Panchayat for the launch of Akka Cafes at the District Collectorate and Udupi Taluk Office. Once approved, the plan is to expand the initiative to other parts of the district.

In the 2024-25 state budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allocated ₹7.5 crore to start 50 Akka Cafes across Karnataka, funded by women’s self-help groups. Due to increased demand, the budget has been raised to ₹25 crore.

The project will be implemented through registered women’s self-help groups, with the aim to open cafes at government offices, hospitals, tourist spots, and other public places. The Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Livelihood is collaborating with NLL to roll out these cafes.

Udupi’s Interest in ‘Akka Cafe’

The Women’s Empowerment Groups in Udupi have also shown interest in having an Akka Cafe. The Udupi Zilla Panchayat CEO, Prateek Boyal, mentioned that two locations have already been identified, and after a pilot run in the city, the plan is to extend it to rural areas.

These cafes will provide affordable meals to government employees and visitors, with meals priced between ₹25 to ₹75.

Key Features:

1. Women’s leadership will run these cafes within government office premises.
2. A uniform logo, design, and color scheme will be used across all Akka Cafes.
3. Costs for setting up cafes will be ₹8-15 lakh, depending on location.
4. Operating hours: 9 AM to 9 PM.
5. Breakfast options priced between ₹25-75, with lunch costing ₹40.
6. The cafes will also cater to government events for meals and snacks.

Currently, Akka Cafes are operational only in Bengaluru, but this initiative is poised to expand across Karnataka, with Udupi next in line.