HYDERABAD: Anna Canteens, which offered meals for just Rs 5 during the previous TDP rule, are set to be revived within three weeks, announced Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana. Speaking at a review meeting with senior officials at the State Secretariat, Narayana stated that the revival of Anna Canteens was among the first five files signed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu upon assuming office.
Between 2014 and 2019, the TDP government established 184 out of a planned 203 Anna Canteens, with the remaining 19 still under construction. Narayana criticized the previous YSRCP government for diluting the scheme, which provided quality food to the poor at major centers across the state for Rs 5 per meal.
Efforts are underway to restore all Anna canteens within three weeks. Officials have been instructed to submit repair work estimates within two to three days. In the past, ISKCON managed the maintenance of these canteens. Despite the total cost of providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner being Rs 73, beneficiaries only paid Rs 15, with the government subsidizing the remaining Rs 58.
On average, 2.25 lakh people consumed meals daily at Anna Canteens, with a total of 4.60 crore plates served. Initially established in municipal areas, the scheme was later expanded to rural areas upon requests from MLAs, with the then Chief Minister sanctioning 150 canteens for rural regions.
