Why Kerala Lacks Affordable Eateries: An Analysis of Communist State’s Missing Amma and Indira Canteens

It is indeed a paradox that Kerala, a state known for its strong communist ideologies, lacks affordable eateries like the Amma canteens in Tamil Nadu or the Indira canteens in Karnataka. These canteens, named after popular political figures, provide subsidized meals to the economically weaker sections of society. Despite Kerala’s commitment to social welfare, the state has not yet implemented a similar model. This article aims to analyze the reasons behind this anomaly.

Understanding the Concept of Amma and Indira Canteens

The Amma canteens in Tamil Nadu and the Indira canteens in Karnataka are government-run eateries that offer meals at heavily subsidized rates. These canteens were established with the aim of ensuring that no citizen goes hungry, regardless of their economic status. The food served is nutritious and hygienic, making these canteens popular among the masses.

The Communist Ideology and Kerala

Kerala has a long history of communist rule, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) playing a significant role in the state’s politics. The party’s ideology is rooted in the principles of social justice and equality, which should ideally translate into initiatives like affordable eateries. However, this has not been the case in Kerala.

Why Kerala Lacks Affordable Eateries: An Analysis

There are several reasons why Kerala lacks affordable eateries like the Amma and Indira canteens. Some of the key factors include:

• High Operational Costs: The cost of running such canteens in Kerala would be significantly higher due to the state’s high cost of living and high wage rates. This could make the model economically unviable.

• Lack of Political Will: Despite the communist ideology, there seems to be a lack of political will to implement such a model in Kerala. This could be due to various reasons, including the fear of financial mismanagement and corruption.

• Alternative Welfare Schemes: Kerala has several other welfare schemes in place, such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), which provides subsidized food grains to the poor. The government may feel that these existing schemes are sufficient to address the issue of food security.

Conclusion

While the lack of affordable eateries in Kerala may seem contradictory to its communist ideology, it can be attributed to a combination of high operational costs, lack of political will, and the presence of alternative welfare schemes. However, considering the success of the Amma and Indira canteens in addressing food security, it may be worthwhile for Kerala to explore similar models. This could go a long way in ensuring that no citizen goes hungry, thereby truly embodying the principles of social justice and equality.