New Food Scheme for the Poor Meals for Just ₹5

The BJP led government in West Bengal under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a subsidised fish and rice meal scheme for the public. Under the initiative, “Maach Bhaat” meals will be served for just ₹5 twice a week at nearly 400 state-run canteens across the state. The scheme is aimed at supporting low income families, daily wage workers, labourers, and transport workers with affordable and nutritious food.

The government is also presenting the scheme as a celebration of Bengali culture and traditions. The move comes amid political debates during the 2026 Assembly elections, where the opposition Trinamool Congress alleged that the BJP would restrict traditional Bengali foods such as fish, meat, and eggs. The government has denied such claims and highlighted the scheme as a welfare initiative.