Govt. plans 100 ‘eat right’ food streets across India

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt. plans 100 ‘eat right’ food streets across India” published in The Hindu on 21st April 2023

What is the News?

The Government of India has planned a “Eat Right Food Streets Project” across India.

What is the Eat Right Food Streets Project?

Under this project, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has asked States and Union Territories to develop 100 food streets in 100 districts across the country. 

The aim of this project is to encourage safe and healthy practices to reduce food-borne illnesses and improve overall health outcomes.

The project will be implemented through the National Health Mission (NHM) in convergence with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and with technical support from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Financial assistance of ₹1 crore per food street/district will be given to States and Union Territories.

Assistance will be provided under the NHM in the ratio of 60:40 or 90:10, with the condition that standard branding of these food streets will be done as per FSSAI guidelines.

What is the significance of this project?

Street foods have traditionally been an integral part of Indian society and are present all across the country. They represent the rich local tradition of cuisine.

They not only provide a daily diet at affordable prices to millions but also direct employment to a large number of people while supporting the tourism industry.

However, safety and hygiene remain a matter of concern at street food outlets and hubs.

This project can serve as a model for other such streets to be established across the country to ensure clean and safe food practices.