Couple from AP's East Godavari sell idli for one rupee

A couple from East Godavari in Andhra Pradesh sell idlis and snacks for just one rupee. For 16 years, they have not increased the price while even a cup of tea is not available for the price.

East Godavari: Inflation has not spared people's pockets well and many get astounded by the price of products. Having food from outside has also turned out to be a matter of surplus money. While hotels compete with high prices, a couple from the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, took a different turn and have not increased the price since 16 years.

Over a decade ago, they sold idli and snacks for 50 paise and even now they sell it for one rupee. It does not matter whether other hotels serve idlis for Rs 20, the couple find happiness after satiating many people with their idlis every day.

People from humble backgrounds find solace with the one rupee idli and snacks the couple offer for their daily needs. While one cannot afford even a cup of tea for one rupee, people flock to the hotel in Peddapuram mandal in R.B. Kottur village. Selling idlis for one rupee is an act of social service, not just a livelihood for the couple.

''We are doing business since the price of idly was half a rupee. For 16 years, we are offering food at low cost only. We took it as a challenge to offer food at cheap price. I also went though tough times in my life, when I struggled to even get food,'' said Chinni Ramakrishna, owner.

''Many working people cannot afford breakfast at higher cost. So we continued to offer it at low-cost,'' said Chinni Ratnam Lakshmi, Ramakrishna's wife.