In a major relief to the poor and daily wage workers, the Andhra Pradesh government is set to reopen the Anna Canteens that were closed during the last five years of YSRCP rule. The initiative, originally launched by the TDP government under N. Chandrababu Naidu, provided wholesome meals for just ₹5. With the NDA coalition now back in power, the Anna Canteens are being revived, promising to once again serve the needy.
The Anna Canteens, which were operational between 2014-2019, catered to thousands of people every day, ensuring that no one went hungry. The previous government had shut them down, but now, preparations are in full swing to bring them back within three weeks.
The state government has formulated a 100-day action plan for the restoration of these canteens, with the first 100 canteens set to open within three weeks. The remaining canteens will be operational by September 21. Minister Ponguru Narayana has instructed municipal and corporate commissioners to ensure the canteens are ready on time.
During their initial run, the canteens provided meals to approximately 2.25 lakh people daily. The government, in its revival plan, is deciding whether to contract the management of these canteens to ISKCON again or to invite new tenders. This move aims to alleviate hunger among the urban poor, daily laborers, and other low-income groups.
The re-establishment of these canteens has been met with widespread approval. In Vijayawada, for example, there used to be 18 Anna Canteens serving thousands of people. Now, more canteens are set to open across various locations, bringing much-needed relief to the people.
Additionally, similar initiatives in other states, like Indira Canteens in Karnataka and Amma Canteens in Tamil Nadu, have proven successful in providing affordable meals to the underprivileged, setting a precedent for the re-launch of Anna Canteens.
