Bhuvaneswari Donates Rs 76 Lakh for Free Meals at Anna Canteens on Naidu’s Birthday

Amaravati, April 2026 : Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has donated Rs 76 lakh to provide free meals at all Anna Canteens across the state on April 20, marking the Chief Minister’s birthday.

Bhuvaneswari, who serves as Vice-Chairperson and Managing Director of Heritage Foods and Managing Trustee of the NTR Memorial Trust, handed over the cheque along with her husband. The donation will ensure that meals are served free of cost for a day at all 269 Anna Canteens functioning across Andhra Pradesh.

Sharing the announcement on social media, she said the contribution brought her immense satisfaction, highlighting that feeding the hungry is among the most meaningful forms of service. She added that the initiative was a fitting tribute to Chandrababu Naidu, who has consistently shown concern for the welfare of the underprivileged.

Anna Canteens, which provide hygienic meals at a nominal cost of Rs 5, have emerged as a vital support system for economically weaker sections, including daily wage labourers, auto-rickshaw drivers, and the urban poor. On April 20, however, meals will be served free of cost at all centres.

Earlier this month, the Chief Minister inaugurated an Anna Canteen at Dharanikota in Palnadu district, where he personally participated in the programme. He purchased a meal token and dined alongside labourers, also serving food to attendees, underlining the inclusive spirit of the initiative.

The government has significantly expanded the network of Anna Canteens since assuming office in 2024. Initially launched in urban areas, the scheme has now extended to rural regions as well. At present, 204 canteens operate in urban areas and 65 in villages, taking the total to 269. Five additional centres are in the final stages of preparation and will soon become operational.

The Chief Minister credited the Akshaya Patra Foundation for its continued support in supplying meals. He noted that the organisation has served billions of meals over the years and continues to play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the canteens.

According to official estimates, each canteen serves an average of over 1,000 people daily, with operational costs running into Rs 26,250 per day per centre. Across the state, nearly 2.1 lakh people benefit from the scheme every day, with total daily expenditure exceeding Rs 54 lakh. The addition of new rural canteens is expected to further increase the subsidy burden, with annual costs projected to reach around Rs 58 crore.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to food security and dignity for all, with the birthday gesture adding a humanitarian dimension to the programme.