First Hundred Outlets Open, Minister Durgesh Calls for Donations to Run Anna Canteens

Kakinada:Nearly a hundred Anna Canteens were opened on Friday at the hands of ministers, collectors etc across Andhra Pradesh, a day after chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu formally launched the first few canteens of his present term.

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, who opened the canteen in Nidadavule, pleaded for donations for this endeavour from citizens through Phone Pay’, Google Pay, Digital transfer etc, to boost the TD-led government’s attempt to banish poverty in AP.

The canteens give food to the needy at a nominal rate of `5. An equal number of Anna Canteens would be opened in other parts of the state in September.

Water resources minister Nimmala Ramanayudu did the launch in Palakollu, labour minister Vasamsetty Subhash in Amalapuram, housing minister Parthasaradhi in Nuziveedu, West Godavari collector Vetri Selvi in Eluru, district collector Nagarani in Bhimavaram and East Godavari collector Prashanthi in Eluru.

Nagarani said Anna Canteens would be set up in eight places -- among them being Bhimavaram, Tadepalligudem and Palakollu in the district.

Bhimavaram MLA Puparthi Ramanjaneyulu said that anna canteens have been set up in three places in the town --New Bus Stand, Budhavaram Market, Old Bus Stand and Juvvalapalem road. Meals are available three times every day, he said.

At Palakollu, water resources minister Rama Naidu launched the canteen. In East Godavari district, district collector Prashanthi launched the Anna Canteen along with the Rajamahendravaram MLA Adireddy Srinivas and the municipal commissioner Kethan Garg. Tiffin is served in morning and full meals by noon and in the evening every day, she said.

Prashanthi said three Anna Canteens were set up at Quarry Road centre, Government Hospital and Subrahmanya Maidan.

Eluru district collector Vetri Selvi along with MLA Badeti Radhakrishna inaugurated the Anna Canteen at Eluru. Radhakrishna donated his one month’s salary of `1.10 lakh to the government for running the Anna Canteens.