AP moves to strengthen oversight of Anna Canteens

To enhance oversight and service quality at Anna Canteens, the Andhra Pradesh government has established Anna Canteen Level Advisory Committees throughout all districts. This move follows directives from the Chief Minister to improve food quality, accountability, and community involvement.

Each committee will be chaired by a nominee of the district in-charge Minister. The nominee may choose a Municipal Chairperson, Corporator, or Councillor. Other members include the Ward Sanitation and Environment Secretary, the Ward Women and Weaker Sections Protection Secretary, a representative from a local NGO, a member from an SHG or town-level federation, and the nodal officer of the canteen, who will serve as the member-convener.

The committees will oversee hygiene, food safety, and timely operations. They will also monitor the use of technology-enabled surveillance systems, gather feedback from beneficiaries, and handle grievances. Their responsibilities include ensuring that daily services meet established standards and promoting community engagement, support from donors, and awareness activities.

The government issued the orders after a review meeting chaired by Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar. The meeting examined the performance of Anna Canteens with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration and the CEO of the Anna Canteen Charitable Trust.

Mr. Suresh Kumar said the canteens are an important support system for urban workers, students, senior citizens and vulnerable communities. He noted that the Chief Minister has stressed the need for dignity, quality and reliability in welfare services. “These committees, along with better monitoring and local accountability, will help improve responsiveness and sustain quality in operations,” he said.