Civic body to reopen sealed Zunka Bhaakar centres, sell snacks

Navi Mumbai: The Zunka Bhaakar centres in the city are up for a makeover. The civic administration has decided to use these centres for selling eatables.

The 22 centres were sealed by NMMC to implement a 2004 decision by the government to discontinue the scheme due to numerous irregularities. The centres meant to provide staple food at cheap rates were found to be used for other purposes, prompting the state to withdraw the scheme.

“All the Zunka Bhaakar Kendras in the city were issued a 24-hour notice and were taken over by NMMC in June. Since then these outlets have been lying unused. A policy decision to lease out the space for sale of other eatables has been found to be beneficial to both NMMC and the residents,” said an official from the estate department.

In the revised model proposed by the administration, these centres will be authorized to sell eatables like idli, vada, sheera, poha, tea, coffee, dosa, usal-misal, samosa, sandwiches, chapati-bhaji, rice plate,pulav, masala bhat, pav bhaji and even cold drinks.

“These centres are to be operated without alterations or additions whatsoever permitted. Stringent conditions are being laid down to ensure no misuse happens in the centres. Rates of the eatables to be sold will have to be lesser as seen otherwise,” a municipal official said.

The department has suggested leasing the property at Ready Recknor rates for 5 years.

City residents, people with special abilities, women self-help groups and even past operators of the centres are eligible for running the centres.

“Advertisements seeking application for operating the centres will be published and those fulfilling the criteria will be eligible,” the official added.