Janakeeya hotels in Kudumbashree are shrinking in Kozhikode as subsidies dry up

Photo file for representational purposes. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

The number of Janakeeya hotels run by Kudumbashree in Kozhikode district has reduced from 102 to 72, with six establishments closed in this financial year alone, as withdrawal of government subsidy and interruption of subsidized rice supplies made it difficult for the units to serve meals at affordable prices.

Introduced in 2020 as part of the Keralam state government’s Zero Hunger initiative, Janakeeya hotels were designed to provide a traditional meal for ₹20. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided a subsidy of ₹10 per meal, which allowed outlets to keep the price low.

But the subsidy has not been there for almost two years. Supply of rice at subsidized rates through Supplyco outlets was also stopped in March this year. Hotels used to get rice at ₹10.90 per kg, with each unit entitled to purchase up to 600 kg per month.

“After the withdrawal of both forms of support, several units have either stopped serving food at ₹20 or have stopped altogether. Some outlets have increased the price of food, with some Janakeeya hotels reportedly charging up to ₹50,” said VS Reeja, a Kudumbashree businessman from Pavangad, who was earlier associated with the project. She also said the number of people employed through the initiative in the district, according to official records, dropped from about 500 to nearly 400 after the establishments closed.

Hotel operators said rising prices of basic commodities and cooking gas have further increased their operating costs. Disruptions to supply chains following geopolitical developments in West Asia and the impact of drought have added to pressure on food prices, they added.

Janakeeya hotels gained considerable popularity during the pandemic by serving food at affordable prices. Kudumbashree has launched around 1,000 such hotels across Kerala within a year of launching the system.

Employees and operators sought renewed government intervention to keep the remaining units viable. They said continued government support is essential if hotels are to provide catering at affordable prices without incurring unsustainable losses.

“The closure of the Janakeeya hotels has also raised concerns about the future of the program, which was originally envisioned as a welfare initiative combining affordable food with livelihood opportunities for Kudumbashree members,” said a former Kudumbasree mission coordinator. She pointed out that the gradual closure of Janakeeya hotels would also affect several lower income groups who depended on the fair food supply system.

Meanwhile, sources in the local government department confirmed that efforts were on to revive the scheme following the state government’s intervention in the matter. Kudumbashree officials are also expected to submit a report to the government, they added.

Published – 23 Sep 2026 19:34 IST