The Akka Café officially opened on December 1 at the Zilla Panchayat office in Bidar. Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre said the café will be important for women's empowerment and economic independence. The café is run entirely by women and was started with ₹12 lakh from the Karnataka government along with extra funds from women’s self-help groups. "Akka Café is designed to bring women into the mainstream by strengthening their entrepreneurial abilities," Mr. Khandre said. He added, "Historically, women were subjected to exploitation and remained at the margins of a male-dominated society. But today, women have proved their abilities across every field. Akka Café is part of our commitment to help women become financially self-reliant." The Minister also stressed the importance of hygiene and quality food at the café. He handed the license to the Bagdalan Ganesh Self-Help Group and tasted snacks there. Mr. Khandre highlighted ongoing government schemes supporting women, such as Gruha Lakshmi, which deposits ₹2,000 monthly directly into the accounts of 1.26 crore women, costing ₹30,000 crore annually. Under the Shakti scheme, women travel free on state-run buses, saving nearly ₹600 crore in ticket costs. Bidar South MLA Shailendra K. Beldale called the café a key step for women’s entrepreneurship and suggested offering diverse, special dishes to attract customers. He said funding comes 60% from the Union Government and 40% from the State Government under the National Rural Livelihood Mission. Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. Girish Badole said the main aim is to strengthen women’s economic stability. A second café will soon open in Humnabad, with UPI digital payments available at both outlets. Other dignitaries at the event included Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation Chairperson Mala Narayanrao, Bidar Municipal Commissioner Mukul Jain, members of the State Development Committee, and self-help group members.