Skip to main content
Loading page, please wait…
HomeCurrent AffairsEditorialsGovt SchemesLearning ResourcesUPSC SyllabusPricingAboutBest UPSC AIUPSC AI ToolAI for UPSCUPSC ChatGPT

© 2026 Vaidra. All rights reserved.

PrivacyTerms
Vaidra Logo
Vaidra

Top 4 items + smart groups

UPSC GPT
New
Current Affairs
Daily Solutions
Daily Puzzle
Mains Evaluator

Version 2.0.0 • Built with ❤️ for UPSC aspirants

Shiv Bhojan Thali – Maharashtra — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra
  1. Home
  2. Prepare
  3. Government Schemes
  4. Shiv Bhojan Thali – Maharashtra

Shiv Bhojan Thali – Maharashtra

Ministry of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Government of MaharashtraactivesocialLaunched: 2019-01-26

About the Scheme

A welfare scheme launched by the Government of Maharashtra to provide affordable and nutritious meals to the poor and needy citizens across the state, aiming to combat hunger and ensure food security for vulnerable populations.

Target Beneficiaries: 10 crore economically weaker sections, daily wage earners, migrant laborers, and students in Maharashtra accessing subsidized nutritious meals at ₹5-10 through Shiv Bhojan centers

Implementing Agency: Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with local self-help groups and designated canteens.

Official Website →

✦Key Features

  • Meals offered at a highly subsidized rate (e.g., Rs. 10 per thali for citizens, with state subsidy).
  • Designated Shiv Bhojan centres/canteens established across cities and districts.
  • Each thali typically includes chapati, vegetables, dal, and rice, providing a balanced meal.
  • Available during specific lunch hours at all operational centres.
  • State government provides substantial subsidies to the operators of these centres to maintain affordability.

✓Eligibility Criteria

  • All citizens residing in Maharashtra are eligible to avail the meal.
  • Primarily targets daily wage earners, migrant laborers, students, and economically weaker sections.
  • No specific income or identity criteria are strictly enforced for availing the meal directly.

★Benefits

  • Access to a healthy, hygienic, and affordable meal for the underprivileged.
  • Reduces the financial burden of food expenses for the poor and vulnerable.
  • Contributes to improved nutritional intake and a reduction in hunger.
  • Supports the livelihoods of daily wage earners by ensuring their basic food needs are met.

▶Application Process

  • Identify the nearest designated Shiv Bhojan Kendra (centre) in your locality.
  • Visit the Kendra during its operational hours, usually during lunch time.
  • Pay the nominal prescribed amount (e.g., Rs. 10) at the counter.
  • Receive and consume the Shiv Bhojan Thali meal on the premises.

₹ Budget Allocation

170

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 100% State Government of Maharashtra.

Exam Relevance

GS Paper: GS2

Prelims Relevance6%
Mains Relevance8%

Syllabus Tags

Food Security in IndiaPoverty Alleviation ProgramsState Welfare SchemesSocial Justice and InclusivityUrban and Rural HungerPublic Distribution System (PDS) reforms

Historical Context

Launched on January 26, 2020, to provide meals at ₹10, later reduced to ₹5 during the COVID-19 lockdown to support migrants.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Generally open to all, but canteens are restricted in number per district to target the needy.

Challenges

  • Leakage and ghost beneficiaries in the digital coupon system.
  • Maintaining hygiene and quality standards across thousands of private canteens.
  • Fiscal burden on the state during economic slowdowns.

Reforms & Recommendations

  • Introduction of more millets in the Thali for better nutrition (International Year of Millets).
  • Community audits and third-party quality checks.

Performance Statistics

Metric

10 Crore +

Source: Govt of Maharashtra

Metric

₹150-200 Crore (approx)

Source: State Budget

Critical Analysis

The Shiv Bhojan Thali is a crucial social safety net that addresses urban hunger and food insecurity among the floating population and laborers. While politically successful and socially impactful, the scheme faces challenges in maintaining nutritional quality at a very low price point and the fiscal sustainability of the state subsidy (paying ~₹40-45 per plate to the canteen owner).

SDG Linkages

SDG 2: Zero HungerSDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Constitutional Backing

Article 47 (Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living)

Technology Used

Mobile App for Photo-verificationGPS-enabled center tracking

Success Stories

Pandemic Relief Success

Key Takeaways

  • Provides a plate containing 2 chapatis, 1 vegetable, rice, and dal.
  • Available at designated 'Shiv Bhojan Centres' (usually near hospitals, bus stands, and markets).
  • Digitally monitored through a dedicated app and photo-verification.

Probable Questions

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme in mitigating urban hunger in Maharashtra.

EasyMedium

Mains Answer Fodder

The scheme aligns with the concept of the 'Right to Food' and 'Antyodaya'. It complements the National Food Security Act (NFSA) by providing cooked meals to those who may not have cooking facilities (migrants/homeless).

Convergence Schemes

  • National Food Security Act (NFSA)
  • Antyodaya Anna Yojana

Sector Tags

Social WelfareFood Security