Mysuru’s first Akka Cafe opens

The first Akka Cafe in Mysuru district was inaugurated near the zilla panchayat on Krishnaraja Boulevard in Chamarajapuram on March 2.

The initiative, announced in last year’s State Budget by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was inaugurated by district in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa in the presence of Tanveer Sait, MLA, and officials.

While similar cafes have already been established in other parts of the State, this marks the first such outlet in Mysuru district. More Akka Cafes, run by women, are expected to be launched in the coming days. The second outlet is likely to come up near the taluk office, followed by another in Hunsur.

The cafe has been artistically designed, with attractive interiors and exteriors that distinguish it from other eateries.

The Akka Cafe project is being implemented by the Karnataka Skill Development and Livelihood Department with support from the National Livelihood Mission. The State government has sanctioned ₹25 crore to establish about 2,500 Akka Cafes across Karnataka. All outlets will be operated by women trained under Self-Help Groups (SHGs), promoting women’s empowerment and livelihood generation.

After inaugurating the coffee kiosk, the Minister, MLA, and officials visited the cafe, reviewed the breakfast menu and interacted with the women managing the outlet. The cafe serves both breakfast and lunch. Similar outlets have also been planned at other taluk headquarters in the district.