CM Naidu Inaugurates Anna Canteen At Dharanikota; Number Up At 269 Across AP

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring food security for all, stating that true development can be realised only when hunger is eradicated.

Inaugurating an Anna Canteen at Dharanikota in Pedakurapadu constituency of Palnadu district, the Chief Minister said “progress is meaningless if the poor are deprived of access to food.”

Under the scheme, meals are being provided at ₹5, benefiting the poor, also including auto drivers and daily wage labourers. Over the past 21 months, about 8.80 crore meals have been served, with the government spending ₹243 crore on subsidies.

On Wednesday, Naidu marked the occasion by purchasing a meal token for ₹5, dining with the beneficiaries, and personally serving food while interacting with people to assess the taste, hygiene and quality of the meals.

Highlighting the government’s welfare focus, Naidu said the Anna Canteens were introduced to address hunger among the underprivileged. He recalled that NT Rama Rao had laid the foundation for food security with the subsidised ₹2-per-kg rice scheme.

He paid tribute to Dokka Seethamma for her lifelong service to the hungry poor.

The chief minister noted that since assuming office in 2024, the government has prioritised expanding food access. While the scheme initially focused on urban centres, it has now been extended to rural areas. With the inauguration of 62 new rural Anna Canteens on Wednesday, the total number across the state has risen to 269. Five more are set to be opened shortly.

Naidu appreciated the support of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which has played a key role in supplying the meals. The foundation, he noted, has served over five billion meals in the past 25 years.

Criticising the previous administration, the chief minister alleged that welfare schemes like Anna Canteens were discontinued and food donation initiatives were hindered. He accused the YSRC government of neglecting public welfare while pursuing “destructive politics.”

Palnadu district in-charge minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, MP Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu, MLA Praveen, Palnadu collector Kritika Shukla and others were present.