Andhra Pradesh: Lokesh Defends Smart Kitchens; Refutes Jagan’s Stand Of Livelihoods Lost
Former chief minister and YSRC president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has alleged that the Smart Kitchen initiative would deprive nearly 85,000 mid-day meal workers of their livelihoods: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: Education and IT minister Nara Lokesh on Sunday strongly defended the state government's Smart Kitchen initiative, asserting that it is aimed at providing government school students hygienic, nutritious, and quality meals, while simultaneously generating additional employment opportunities for women and economically weaker sections.
Former chief minister and YSRC president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has alleged that the Smart Kitchen initiative would deprive nearly 85,000 mid-day meal workers of their livelihoods. Jagan had gone on to accuse the government of using the Smart Kitchen programme to benefit its supporters, while pushing the existing women workers into uncertainty and unemployment.
Refuting YSRC chief’s criticism, Lokesh said it is unfortunate that objections are being raised against a programme designed to improve the health and well-being of poor children. He questioned why anyone should oppose an initiative that ensures better food standards and creates livelihoods for thousands of people.
The minister explained that five smart kitchens have been launched as a pilot project in YSR Kadapa district. He maintained that all 233 cook-cum-helpers working in schools covered under the pilot project are continuing to perform their duties as before.
Responding to allegations that the scheme would affect existing workers, Lokesh stated that the proposed 33 additional smart kitchens in the district would not result in the loss of a single job. On the contrary, he asserted that the expansion would create fresh employment opportunities for women belonging to self-help groups.
“The initiative is expected to provide jobs to 38 head cooks, 22 assistant cooks, 256 helpers, and around 76 drivers in Kadapa district alone. State-wide rollout of smart kitchens would generate thousands of additional jobs, while safeguarding existing employment,” the minister pointed out.
He dismissed allegations regarding non-payment of honorariums to cook-cum-helpers. He stated that all 3,450 cook-cum-helpers in YSR Kadapa district have been paid their honorariums in full up to April 2026.
He said no payments are due in May because schools have remained closed for summer vacation, while the month of June has not yet concluded. Lokesh challenged the opposition to specify whose dues are allegedly pending.
