Maharashtra Govt Sanctions ₹3.02 Crore To Upgrade Mantralaya Canteen Kitchens After Safety Concerns

The Maharashtra government has allocated ₹3.02 crore to revamp the kitchens of the Mantralaya and Square Meal canteens at the state secretariat, addressing concerns over hygiene and food safety. The improvement plan features civil repairs, electrical upgrades, and enhanced exhaust systems, including improved hot-air exhaust arrangements such as GI hoods, metal structures, and ducting.

Stainless-steel, modular, and energy-efficient equipment will be installed, accompanied by HVAC systems to regulate heat, humidity, and smoke. The project incorporates waterproof, easily cleanable surfaces, improved utensil washing and sanitizing facilities, fly-proof meshes, and dedicated hand-washing areas. The existing exhaust systems' inadequacy in providing outside or cooled air necessitated the modernization to enhance food safety and employee safety.

Of the sanctioned amount, ₹38.42 lakh is reserved for Mantralaya Canteen repairs and renovations, while ₹26.53 lakh is set aside for Square Meal Canteen upgrades. The work is slated to commence in the 2026-27 financial year, adhering to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) standards and fire safety regulations. The decision followed a technical inspection by Dr Prashant Virkhare, head of the tourism department at Government Technical Institute, Nagpur, who recommended structural repairs, upgraded flooring, kitchen equipment, mechanical exhaust, HVAC systems, and better hygiene facilities.

The move follows a Bombay High Court-appointed panel's recent inspection of three canteens in Mantralaya, which flagged unhygienic conditions, including broken sewage and drainage systems, cockroaches, and flies on kitchen floors.