Akanksha Masala Mathri Kendra at present provides livelihoods to around 110 women and girls from the economically weaker sections of the society.

These women are organized into six self-help groups namely: Durga, Laxmi, Parvati, Saraswati, Ambey and Santoshi.

The self-help group members are trained to prepare traditional Indian snacks, sweets, savouries and masalas in a clean, hygienic environment at Akanksha premises, under strict quality control, using the best raw materials, traditional cleaning, processing methods like we have been using in our homes since ages! No wonder Akanksha’s products taste so fresh and flavourful…just like home-made!

Some of our bestselling products are premium masalas, multigrain flours, different varieties of mathris and roasted namkeens. Our delectable fresh nashta items such as samosas, sattu kachoris, dhokla, idlis, vadas, aloo bonda are hugely popular. Our extremely delicious and sought after gujhiyas cause serpentine queues at all the three Akanksha outlets during Holi! 

Food Safety and Quality Assurance

• Akanksha has been awarded licence no. 12713066001315 under Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

• Akanksha is known for its purity and authenticity of taste and has maintained impeccable standards over so many years. Oil once used for frying is never re-used.

• The production as well as sales counter teams are well trained in hygienic practices right from their attire such as clean aprons, masks, disposable hair covers, gloves etc to frequent handwashing and sanitizing.

• Pest Control is done regularly at the Masala Mathri Kendra.

• Food samples are periodically sent to the Government Public Analyst Laboratory, U.P. to test for adulterants and quality.

• Due to the pandemic, several new practices have been introduced and strict adherence is being done to the safety guidelines which involves frequent sanitization of the entire unit.

Some welfare measures undertaken for self-help groups and their families:

• It should be noted that even during the lockdown, the workers were paid full salary.

• Two sets of new uniforms(sarees and suits) are distributed to members of the self-help groups twice in a year, usually coinciding with the Deepawali and Holi festivals. Woollens are distributed to all members in winters. Bonus is paid to the group members twice a year depending upon the profits generated. Apart from this, other utility items are given as gifts on the occasion of festivals such as Deepawali.

• Masala Mathri Kendra sponsors the mid-day meal for all students of Akanksha Vidya Kendra.

• Regular health and eye check-up camps are organised for these women and medicines/supplements/ spectacles etc are distributed free of cost.

System Upgradation and Process Improvements

We have acquired new software so that physical and information system workflow go hand in hand. We have started better packaging with our distinctive brand name, improved storage and warehousing facility and streamlined systems for the purchases.