ITDC to run Parliament canteen from today

New Delhi: Immunity booster Ayush kaadha for ₹11, decaffeinated coffee for ₹24 and a range of packaged food would now be available at the Parliament House canteen, which will now start functioning gradually with strict Covid-19 protocols.
Starting Monday, Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) would take over its catering from Northern Railway, which had been operating the canteen since 1968. ITDC, which runs the five-star Ashok Group of hotels, is the government’s tourism arm.

The move to shift the catering to ITDC comes after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s personal intervention. Birla has been trying to improve the quality of food being served at the various outlets in Parliament House estate. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the initial menu would largely include packaged food. However, on top of the menu, apart from tea and coffee, is Ayush kaadha. Ayush ministry has been recommending this kaadha as an immunity booster and even for those who are recovering from Covid-19. Also on the menu would be tetra packs of juices, biscuits, namkeens and a variety of teas. There would be about 32 items on offer. Sources said gradually the menu would be expanded. During the sessions, more food items would be on offer for lunch and evening snacks.

The process to find a new vendor started last year. However, it was finalised after Birla met tourism minister Prahlad Patel in July. Parliament House estate has a number of catering units, including Parliament House, Parliament House annexe and Parliament Library building. Now, all these would be made operational gradually. On average, the Parliament House estate catering units served 4,000-5,000 people daily during sessions before the pandemic. However, this has changed completely with strict Covid-19 protocols.