GVMC gears up for Anna Canteens

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is all geared up to kick off the much anticipated Anna Canteens, on the lines of the Amma Canteens in Chennai, at 15 select locations in the city.
GVMC commissioner MV Satyanarayana said the locations include Car Shed Junction at PM Palem, Madhurawada Market, Maddilapalem Bus Stop, KGH, Sriharipuram Market, Gopalapatnam rythu bazaar, Kapparada, Kancharapalem rythu bazaar, NAD Junction, Tagarapuvalasa Community Hall, Gajuwaka Autonagar and Pendurthy GVMC zonal office junction.
"GVMC is negotiating with some agencies such as Harerama Hare Krishna, Nandi, an NGO, and self-help group members for the running of the canteens. The state government will finally decide upon a suitable agency, " Satyanarayana said. The selected agency will have to prepare the food required for all 15 locations in one kitchen.
The GVMC has pegged the cost of buying the requisite kitchenware at Rs 1.2 crore and another Rs 1.7 crore for the staff. GVMC hopes to rake in Rs 1.7 crore per annum from the consumers. The government will pay nearly Rs 4 crore on the 15 canteens in Vizag, he said. The state cabinet sub-committee will visit Chennai to study the Amma Canteens, while a GVMC team has already been to Chennai to study the scheme.