Preliminary audit flags discrepancies in accounts of Kochi Corporation’s Samridhi eatery; Indira Canteen pilot to open shortly

Amid allegations by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) of an attempt to undermine Samridhi@Kochi, a preliminary audit of the budget eatery’s accounts initiated by the United Democratic Front (UDF)-led council seems to have indicated discrepancies.

Kochi Corporation Mayor V.K. Minimol confirmed as much, though she refrained from disclosing specifics citing that the audit was yet to be completed.

Since assuming charge last year, the UDF council, while acknowledging the brand value and originality of the Samridhi project, has consistently accused the previous administration of obfuscating its accounts, leaving unclear whether the venture has been operating at a profit or loss. The LDF, which launched the initiative during its tenure, has countered the allegation by dubbing it as a deliberate ploy to promote Indira Canteen at the expense of Samridhi.

“The preliminary audit of Samridhi’s accounts has pointed to discrepancies. We will place the final audited report before the council for approval. It is evident that Samridhi cannot continue to operate the way it is now. We will have to devise an operating system in line with the auditors’ recommendations. At the same time, we wish to reiterate that there is no attempt to sabotage Samridhi, but rather to make it an independent premium entity,” Ms. Minimol said.

‘Not against auditing’

LDF parliamentary party leader V.A. Sreejith maintained that the Opposition was not against auditing Samridhi’s accounts, though he doubted the project was running at a loss given its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) backing. “Let them bring the audited accounts before the council. But the question remains, why would the UDF open a canteen under Samridhi at its headquarters before the audit if it was so suspicious of the project?” he asked.

Meanwhile, the pilot Indira Canteen is set to open alongside the Corporation’s zonal office at Edappally, followed by another at an old canteen buidling in Mattancherry. The plan is to establish canteens across zonal offices, serving three meals a day at ₹10-₹50 each for breakfast and dinner, and ₹30 for lunch. The Corporation has earmarked ₹50 lakh for the scheme, which, like Samridhi, will be funded through CSR initiatives.

“Like the breakfast scheme in schools, food for Indira Canteen will be sourced from Samridhi’s central kitchen, thereby adding to its revenue stream. We also plan to expand the kitchen’s capacity to meet the increased demand,” Ms. Minimol added.