Dharanikota, Apr 15 (TNT) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday inaugurated an Anna Canteen at Dharanikota in Pedakurapadu constituency of Palnadu district, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring food security for all.
The Chief Minister said that true development is possible only when hunger is eradicated, stressing that progress is meaningless if the poor do not have access to food.
After inaugurating the canteen, Naidu purchased a meal token for ₹5 and dined along with beneficiaries. He also served food personally and interacted with people, enquiring about the taste, hygiene and quality of meals.
Highlighting the expansion of the programme, he said 62 Anna Canteens were launched in rural areas on the day, taking the total number across the state to 269, with five more set to be opened soon.
Recalling past initiatives, the Chief Minister said former leader N. T. Rama Rao laid the foundation for food security with the ₹2 per kg rice scheme.
He also paid tribute to Dokka Seethamma for her lifelong service in feeding the needy.
Naidu noted that since assuming office in 2024, the government has prioritised food security by expanding Anna Canteens from urban centres to rural areas.
He appreciated the efforts of Akshaya Patra Foundation for supporting the initiative, stating that the foundation has served over 5 billion meals in the past 25 years.
According to officials, meals are provided at just ₹5, benefiting the poor, auto drivers and daily wage workers. Over the past 21 months, around 8.80 crore meals have been served with a subsidy expenditure of ₹243 crore.
The Chief Minister also criticised the previous administration, alleging that welfare schemes like Anna Canteens were discontinued and food donation initiatives were obstructed.
Palnadu district in-charge Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, MP Srikrishna Devarayalu, MLA Praveen, District Collector Kritika Shukla and other officials were present on the occasion.
TNT KM
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