Gudivada, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh: On the auspicious occasion of Independence Day, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, also the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief, unveiled a heartwarming gift for the people of the region: the reopening of Anna Canteen in Gudivada. These canteens, were inspired by the legendary social activist Dokka Seethamma and TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao aims to ensure that no one goes hungry.
Serving the Needy
- Inauguration: Accompanied by his wife, N. Bhuvaneswari, CM Naidu inaugurated the Anna Canteen at Gudivada’s Municipal Park. The event took place at NTR Stadium, where they received a warm welcome from fans and supporters.
- Affordable Meals: The canteens will serve meals and breakfast at an incredibly nominal price of just ₹5. The goal is to alleviate hunger among the poor and vulnerable sections of society.
- Philanthropic Support: To sustain this noble initiative, philanthropists are stepping forward to donate funds. An account has been opened at the SBI Chandramouli Nagar branch in Guntur for those willing to contribute.
- Daily Operations: Running Anna Canteens requires approximately ₹53 lakh per day. However, CM Naidu is committed to ensuring their uninterrupted operation. A total of 203 canteens will be set up across the state, including tribal areas, by the end of September.
- Historical Significance: Gudivada holds special significance as the place where NTR won as an MLA for the first time and later became the Chief Minister. Inaugurating Anna Canteen here on Independence Day adds to its historical resonance.
A Promise Fulfilled
- Previous Initiatives: During Naidu’s previous tenure (2014–2019), Anna Canteens was launched in 2018, providing affordable meals three times a day for just ₹15. Unfortunately, these canteens were closed when YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s YSRCP government came to power from 2019 to 2024.
- Current Expansion: Today, 100 canteens have been inaugurated, and the state aims to have 203 operational canteens soon. These canteens will cater to around 350 people each, with the possibility of expansion based on public response.
- Financial Commitment: The state government will allocate ₹200 crore annually to sustain Anna Canteens, ensuring that no one in Andhra Pradesh goes hungry.
CM Naidu’s vision of compassionate governance and his commitment to eradicating hunger through Anna Canteens exemplify the spirit of service and inclusivity. As he once said, “What more satisfaction do you have than filling the empty stomachs of the poor people?”
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