Two days on, Andhra's Anna canteens an instant hit among poor, middle class

The canteens which provide meals at a nominal rate of Rs 5 have seen a huge demand since day one.

Vijayawada: Two days after the Andhra Pradesh government launched 'Anna Canteens' in various parts of the state, the drive has become an instant hit with a large number of people belonging to the poor and middle class.

Taking a cue from Amma canteens in Tamil Naidu, the Andhra Pradesh government started Anna Canteens in major towns of the state.

Anna, means elder brother, which is in reference to late N T Rama Rao, the founder of ruling Telugu Desam Party.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had inaugurated 60 canteens on July 11 with more than 40 canteens operating from July 12.

Cashier of one of the Anna Canteens, Govardhana Giridhara Rap said, "Public response is good. A huge floating in the business has been seen".

The state government is currently planning to launch more than 100 canteens by August 15. The Anna canteens provide breakfast, lunch and dinner at a nominal price of Rs 5.

A menu chart is also prepared to follow regularly and these canteens run six days a week except Sunday. However, the canteens have witnessed a huge demand since day one.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF), a wing of ISKCON is supplying the food to these canteens. Also, the state government has developed infrastructure for these canteens.

"We are supplying food cooked at our centralized kitchen under hygienic conditions. The government and our team are providing good cooperation," TAPF, Liasioning Officer, Venkatrao said.

"All the Anna Canteens will be catered by Akshaya Patra Foundation. Some are in construction stage; once they are completed, we will supply food to those canteens also," he added.