Anna Canteens benefiting the poor, says Minister Bharath

Minister for Food Processing and Industries T.G. Bharath on Friday (May 22, 2026) criticised the YSR Congress Party leaders for “being unable to tolerate the welfare measures being implemented by the Chandrababu Naidu-led government,” while asserting that schemes such as Anna Canteens were directly benefiting the poor.

The Minister inspected the Anna Canteen located at the Government General Hospital here on Friday. “During the previous government, Anna Canteens were shut down, depriving the poor of affordable meals,” he said.

He said that the present government was committed to addressing hunger through welfare-oriented initiatives. He interacted with elderly people, women, patients, and attendants at the hospital. Enquiring about the quality, taste, and quantity of food being served, Mr. Bharath asked visitors to register their complaints, if any.

Mr. Bharath also inspected the surroundings of the canteen and later served food to the beneficiaries. He said the inspection was aimed at understanding the ground reality and ensuring that people visiting the government hospital were receiving proper meals.

The Minister observed that patients and attendants from several regions visit the hospital every day, and the Anna Canteen has become a major source of relief for economically weaker sections.

“People are expressing satisfaction over the quality of food. We are receiving a positive response from almost everyone,” he said.