Kurnool: In a move aimed at providing affordable and quality food to the public, municipal authorities in Kurnool district are preparing to restart the closed Anna Canteens within city limits. Officials are actively scouting for convenient locations to reopen these subsidised canteens, having recently verified potential sites at the old bus stand area, collectorate, government hospital, Setku office, Parimala Nagar, and other areas.
The Anna Canteen initiative, launched in 2018 by the Telugu Desam government, saw the establishment of 17 canteens across five municipalities in the combined Kurnool district. These included 8 canteens in Kurnool city, 3 in Nandyal, 3 in Adoni, 2 in Yemmiganur, and 1 in Dhone town. The canteens were strategically located at public places like bus stand areas, market yards, and railway stations, catering to the needs of the local populace.
One such canteen, opened on September 8, 2018, at the collectorate complex, provided a convenient option for people visiting various offices for their personal work. However, following the change in government in 2019, all these canteens were abruptly closed in July, leaving many residents dismayed and deprived of an affordable meal. Despite staging protests, TD leaders, who faced defeat in the 2019 polls, failed to bring back the canteens for the convenience of the people due to political policies in the state.
The Anna Canteens had gained immense popularity due to the low-cost and accessible nature of the food served at prime locations. The rush of people to these canteens, where breakfast and lunch were provided at nominal rates, highlighted the high demand for such initiatives.
Now, acting on the directions of industries minister T.G. Bharath, municipal officials are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to identify suitable premises across all municipal areas in the district to reopen the much-awaited Anna Canteens.
