GHMC-run Annapurna canteens set to get fresh look and improved food quality

Listen to Story

Mohammed Rayees 22 Feb 2025 6:12 PM

News in short:

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) conducted surprise inspections at two Annapurna canteens in Hyderabad to evaluate food quality, facilities, and meal quantity. This follows the formation of a special committee tasked with inspecting the canteens' conditions and recommending upgrades to ensure nutritious meals and improved infrastructure. While the food quality was found satisfactory, the committee identified areas needing repair. Annapurna canteens provide subsidized meals for Rs. 5 to low-income individuals in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Despite initial popularity, issues like poor maintenance, long queues, and unhygienic conditions led to a decline in customer visits. However, these canteens, conveniently located near public transport and key locations, remain a popular option for many.

Hyderabad: The officials of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) conducted surprise inspections at Annapurna canteens near Mint Compound and Lakdikapul behind the Secretariat on Saturday. The objective of these inspections was to review the available facilities, food quality, and meal quantity provided at these centers.

Recently, the GHMC formed a special committee to inspect the basic amenities and food quality at Annapurna canteens in the city. Chief Engineer Bhaskar Reddy was appointed as head of this committee while Additional Commissioners Pankaj (Health) and Venugopal Reddy (Advertisement) as its members.

Following the GHMC Commissioner’s directive, the committee conducted random inspections at these canteens. The civic body is taking measures to evaluate the conditions of Annapurna canteens and subsequently upgrade infrastructure and also ensure nutritious meals are served at these centres across the city.

Residents urge GHMC to repair roads in Kapra area

Kapra area residents seek GHMC’s action on road conditions

Chief Engineer Bhaskar Reddy and the committee members tasted the food at both the Annapurna canteens and expressed satisfaction with the food quality. The committee has also recommended steps to carry out repairs at these centres.

The first Annapurna canteen was set up by the civic body in the year 2014. Every day, these canteens serve hot meals to thousands of low-income people in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The food is served at Rs. 5 and hence it came to be known as the Rs. 5 meal programme. People buy the food for Rs. 5 and the GHMC subsidises the remaining amount to the Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation.

These canteens would attract a mix of poor people and employees from low income groups. Over the years, due to lack of maintenance, proper shelter, long queues and unhygienic surroundings, many people have stopped going to these centres. However, these canteens located near the bus stops, hospitals, IT corridor, and railway station are still a hit among customers.