Mandya: In a significant move to promote women's entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, the first Akka Café in Mandya district was inaugurated on Friday at the premises of the Pandavapura taluk panchayat.
Inauguration by MLA Darshan Puttanaiah
The café was inaugurated by Melkote MLA Darshan Puttanaiah, who urged the public to make the best use of the facility. He stated that the initiative would not only provide quality and affordable food to customers but also serve as a platform for strengthening women's financial independence and self-reliance. Since the café is entirely managed by women, it will play a crucial role in empowering rural women and enhancing their livelihood opportunities, he added.
Plans for Six Akka Cafés Across Mandya
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer KR Nandini said that six Akka Café canteens are planned across Mandya district under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). These cafés will be operated by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and will offer hygienic, nutritious, and affordable local cuisine to the public. The initiative aims to strengthen women-led enterprises in the catering and food service sector while generating sustainable income opportunities for SHG members. The government is extending infrastructure and financial support to ensure the successful establishment and functioning of the cafés.
Two-Phase Implementation
The project is being implemented in two phases. In the first phase, Akka Cafés are being established in Pandavapura, Srirangapatna, and Malavalli taluks. The second phase will cover Mandya, Maddur, and Nagamangala taluks. Preparations are underway to inaugurate the Srirangapatna Akka Café in the second week of June, and officials have been instructed to make the remaining centres operational by July.
Services and Standards
The cafés will serve traditional breakfast and meal varieties prepared using quality ingredients while adhering to high standards of cleanliness and food safety. In addition to food services, the centres will offer catering facilities, support digital payment systems, and be subject to regular monitoring and evaluation, the CEO said.
