Samridhi@Kochi, savouring the taste of success with perseverance

When the government withdrew its subsidy two years after its launch in October 2021, Samridhi@Kochi, a budget eatery jointly run by the Kochi Corporation and the Ernakulam District Mission of Kudumbashree as part of a hunger-free initiative in Ernakulam North, was already staring into the abyss.

The ₹10 meal was its USP, with the government providing a matching subsidy of ₹10, though it was not enough to offset production costs. Already, the anticipated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contribution of ₹10 per meal was not forthcoming, except for a one-time funding of ₹25 lakh from Cochin Shipyard Limited. So, the withdrawal of the government subsidy felt like a final blow. Soon after, the price of the meal was doubled to ₹20, which led to a decline in patronage.

“That was when we realised the need to evolve a sustainable model not dependent on government subsidy or CSR benevolence. So, we decided to diversify and add items, including special dishes, to our menu to cover the cost of subsidised meals through cross-subsidy. The unit also began operating round-the-clock in multiple shifts. The guiding principle was that hunger can strike at any time, and it proved true, as people flocked to the eatery even during odd hours,” said an official associated with the project from the beginning, choosing to remain anonymous to keep the focus on the Kudumbashree women, who, he said, deserved all the accolades.

Two years since that crisis, Samridhi@Kochi, which celebrated its fourth anniversary on Wednesday, now has a staff strength of 206—up from just 14 at its inception. It offers nearly 400 items, including Arabic and Chinese delicacies, operates two canteens—at CSL and the Greater Cochin Development Authority—and accepts catering orders. After being selected by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) to serve food on four trains, Samridhi@Kochi has now been embedded as a service provider on the IRCTC portal, allowing passengers to place online orders for food to be delivered at Ernakulam Town railway station.

Inquiries are pouring in, including from major corporates, for canteen services. For the women associated with the project, it feels like a blissful dream that has transformed their lives in ways they never imagined. They now earn monthly salaries ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000, plus incentives, bringing significant economic improvement.

A.R. Viji, who has been part of the initiative from the beginning and worked across all sections before being promoted as assistant manager, beamed when asked how it changed her life. “I have bought a vehicle, paid an advance for a plot of land, and repaired my house. But the greatest joy is being able to provide jobs and empower more women,” she said.

Mayor M. Anilkumar described Samridhi@Kochi as a model hunger-free project that could be replicated in any city while demonstrating how ordinary women from humble backgrounds could be empowered to run major institutions. “The salaries they receive are better than what many big firms offer. It is also the story of an entire city coming together, regardless of differences, political or otherwise, to fulfil a dream,” Mr. Anilkumar said.