Patna: Bihar is witnessing a remarkable initiative in women empowerment and public service through the state-run program “Didi Ki Rasoi”, led by the Rural Development Department. The initiative, operational across the state, is providing nutritious and traditional meals at affordable prices while creating employment opportunities for women linked to self-help groups.
Under this program, women prepare meals and snacks for school students, patients in hospitals, and other public institutions, ensuring high-quality, wholesome food that supports health and well-being. The initiative not only caters to the dietary needs of citizens but also empowers women economically, giving them a platform to earn a livelihood while preserving Bihar’s culinary traditions.
Focus on Nutrition and Tradition
“Didi Ki Rasoi” offers a range of nutritious meals, including traditional Bihar dishes like chura, ghugni, litti-chokha, along with tea, coffee, and other breakfast items. The meals are prepared in accordance with the requirements of hospitals, residential schools, and other government institutions, ensuring consistent quality and hygiene.
The initiative has currently established 340 kitchens across the state, providing employment to over 6,000 women, many of whom are associated with self-help groups. The food is not only healthier and tastier than commercially available alternatives but is also offered at affordable prices, making it accessible to all.
Read also: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to Launch 16th “Samriddhi Yatra” on January 16, Covering All 38 Districts
Expansion and Upcoming Initiatives
On January 17, a new “Didi Ki Rasoi” will be inaugurated at the Bihar Police Academy in Rajgir, providing breakfast and lunch for 1,600 newly recruited police personnel. Around 150 women will work in shifts to prepare meals for this event.
The government plans to expand the program further to all district hospitals, collectorates, residential schools for SC/ST, OBC, and minority students, mental health institutes, police headquarters, police training centers, bus depots, block offices, and senior citizen homes.
Operational Details
Meals are served according to the working hours of the respective institutions, typically at 8 AM (breakfast), 1 PM (lunch), and 8 PM (dinner) in hospital premises. The women, locally known as “Didi,” begin preparations as early as 6 AM, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining strict hygiene and quality standards throughout the day.
Key Highlights of Didi Ki Rasoi
- Affordable and nutritious meals for public institutions
- Traditional Bihar dishes preserving cultural identity
- Employment generation and women empowerment
- Meals prepared with care, hygiene, and home-like warmth
Statement from the Government
“Didi Ki Rasoi is more than just providing meals to hospitals, schools, and government institutions. It is a powerful platform to make rural women self-reliant and empowered,” said Shravan Kumar, Minister of Rural Development and Transport. With around 340 kitchens operational across Bihar, the program has created livelihood opportunities for over 6,000 women, making a tangible impact on both nutrition and women empowerment.
