In a major relief for the poor and daily wage workers, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced a large-scale revival and expansion of the Anna Canteen scheme, which offers full meals for just Rs 5.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has decided to set up 700 Anna Canteens across the state, with operations scheduled to begin by Ugadi, the Telugu New Year.
The decision marks a significant expansion of a welfare programme that once became a lifeline for thousands but was later discontinued. Government officials have already begun preparations to ensure the rollout is completed on time.
The Return Of A Flagship Welfare Scheme
Anna Canteens were first launched in 2018 under Chandrababu Naidu’s earlier tenure, with the aim of providing affordable, nutritious food to the urban poor. What began with around 100 canteens soon expanded to 200 and then 400, as public response grew stronger.
However, after the 2019 Assembly elections, the YSR Congress Party government shut down the scheme, and many canteen buildings were left neglected.
Following the change in government in 2024, the coalition-led administration revived the programme. Now, with the announcement of 700 canteens, the scheme is set for its biggest expansion yet.
Focus Shifts To Rural Areas
Unlike earlier phases that focused mainly on cities, the new expansion will extend Anna Canteens deep into rural Andhra Pradesh. From Ugadi onwards, canteens will be opened in Mandal headquarters, bringing low-cost meals closer to villages and small towns.
Officials said the decision was taken after repeated requests from MLAs, who had urged the government to set up canteens in Mandal centres to support migrant workers, the elderly, and low-income families.
The government had initially planned to launch rural canteens by Sankranti, but later decided to align the rollout with Ugadi, given its cultural significance as the Telugu New Year.
Rs 5 Meals, Three Times A Day
Anna Canteens are designed to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, each priced at just Rs 5. They are typically located near hospitals, bus stands, major junctions, and crowded public areas, ensuring easy access for those who need them most.
The model has been widely praised for offering dignity along with affordability, allowing people to eat nutritious meals without depending on charity.
Housing Push Announced Alongside Canteen Expansion
Alongside the Anna Canteen announcement, the Chief Minister also unveiled a major housing initiative. On Ugadi, the government plans to conduct Griha Praveshams for 5 lakh new houses across Andhra Pradesh on a single day.
The state has set a target of constructing 17 lakh houses over the next three years, with the broader goal of achieving ‘Housing for All’ by January 2029.
Officials have been instructed to fast-track beneficiary surveys, identify families without homes, and complete verification quickly. The CM has also directed that beneficiary lists be displayed in villages to ensure transparency and build public trust.
Where beneficiaries already own land, they will be issued possession certificates. For those without land, the government will allot plots. All survey data will be digitised to ensure accountability.
Welfare Decisions Amid Global Outreach
Interestingly, these welfare announcements were made while Chandrababu Naidu was on a visit to Davos, where he has been engaging with global investors. Many have noted the contrast — even as the government courts international investment, it is also moving swiftly to fulfil election promises focused on basic needs.
Supporters say the revival of Anna Canteens reflects a renewed focus on grassroots welfare, while critics will be watching closely to see how effectively the ambitious expansion is implemented on the ground.
For now, the message from the government is clear: affordable food and housing are back at the centre of Andhra Pradesh’s development agenda.
