Odisha govt to introduce night meal at Aahar centres

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday directed to start night meal (dinner) facilities at the Aahar centres in urban areas in Odisha.

The move is aimed at facilitating the night stay of people attending their relatives undergoing treatment at hospitals in various municipal areas across the state.

While Aahar centres are working in 76 urban areas, night meal facilities will be provided in 54 Aahar centres operating in hospital campuses.

The dining facilities will start at the Aahar centres from January 1, 2019.

The state government has planned to open 32 new Aahar centres on January 26, the Republic Day.

In order to seek the involvement of the public in the noble act, the government has decided to introduce an online donation system, said an official.

Anyone can donate to feed people through Aahar centres on the occasion of any anniversary or celebrations in their family. The donation will be received online and it will be 100 per cent tax-free.