Vijayawada, August 16, 2024: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on August 15 reopened an Anna Canteen in Gudivada and said, “What more satisfaction do you have than filling empty stomachs of the poor.”
Anna Canteens, which were operational during the TDP regime between 2014-19, were shut by the YSRCP government for the past five years. Speaking on the occasion of Independence Day, while inaugurating the Anna Canteen, Naidu said that the NDA government has fulfilled its election promise to bring back Anna canteens. The initial plan was to reopen over 203 canteens simultaneously, however, only 100 were opened in the first phase as construction work of the canteens was under. Multiple ministers and MLAs inaugurated the canteens in their respective district.
CM Naidu while inaugurating the Anna Canteen in Gudivada stressed that the primary objective of these canteens is to ensure that the impoverished do not go hungry. He highlighted that any meal provided for Rs 5 at the Anna Canteens will benefits the underprivileged, daily wage earners, and laborers.
He elaborated that 203 such canteens would be established throughout the state and noted that the operational costs would amount to Rs 53 lakh. “More and more persons are showing interest to liberally donate for the Anna Canteens, which are launched taking inspiration from the TDP founder, the Late Mr NT Rama Rao, and the most popular Mrs Dokka Seethamma,” he said.
“I have taken up various programmes but I really feel happy to inaugurate such a great scheme like Anna Canteen, particularly on the occasion of the Independence Day,” Naidu explained. He recalled that he originally launched the Anna Canteen in Gudivada when NT Rama Rao first became Chief Minister and said that he returned to relaunch the canteen to fulfill the TDP-led NDA Government’s commitment to ensuring that no one goes hungry in the birthplace of the Late NTR.
Naidu paid tributes to the late Mrs. Dokka Seethamma, who provided meals to anyone in need and recalled her legacy will continue in Andhra Pradesh. He said, “100 Anna Canteens reopened on August 15 and that by the end of September, 203 would be operational across the state, including in tribal regions,” said.
Each canteen will serve hygienic meals to approximately 350 individuals, with the potential to increase capacity based on demand. “We are going to spend Rs 200 crore per annum for the maintenance of these canteens,” the Chief Minister stated.
