It is nice if good schemes are replicated. Like his Tamil Nadu counterpart J. Jayalalithaa’s hugely popular Amma canteens, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to introduce “Anna Canteens” across the state.
As per the plan drawn up by the Telugu Desam Party government, the “Anna Canteens” will provide a plate of Idli along with a cup of chutney for Rs 1, besides serving lunch (sambar rice/lemon rice/curd rice) for Rs 5. Two chapatis and one bowl of curry for dinner will cost Rs 5.
Naidu announced this at the Mahanadu (TDP’s annual plenary) being held at Tirupathi. He mentioned the Tamil Nadu model and said that AIADMK’s second successive poll victory could be attributed to such pro-poor measures.
“This year, we will definitely set up Anna canteens across the state. This concept of providing food to the common people at nominal prices was first introduced by our party founder late NTR (N.T. Rama Rao). He introduced them at the Tirupati temple during his regime," Naidu said.
Although the Naidu cabinet had, in September 2014, decided to set up Anna canteens, the scheme did not take off. The electoral success of Jayalalithaa in the neighbouring state seems to have given Naidu the impetus to take the plan forward now.
The food outlets would be named Anna canteens in memory of the former Chief Minister late N.T. Rama Rao, who is fondly called as Anna by his followers.
