Anna canteens reopen in Andhra Pradesh on Independence Day

100 canteens launched; meals offered at Rs 5. CM Naidu inaugurates in Gudivada with ministers and MLAs.

AMARAVATI: The Anna Canteens, which had been closed for five years, were reopened on Thursday. In celebration of Independence Day, 100 canteens were inaugurated across the state.

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated an Anna Canteen in Gudivada, Krishna district. His wife, Bhuvaneshwari, along with ministers Kollu Ravindra, MPs, and MLAs, participated in the event, serving meals to many and dining with the poor. Arrangements were made to provide meals and snacks for Rs 5 at the canteens.

The Anna Canteens, which operated during the TDP regime from 2014-19, were closed by the previous YSRCP government. The NDA government fulfilled its election promise to bring back the canteens. Although there was an initial plan to open 203 canteens simultaneously, only 100 were opened in the first phase due to incomplete building construction. Ministers and MLAs inaugurated the canteens in the district.