Indiramma Canteens launched to promote hunger-free Hyderabad: Minister Ponnam

Hyderabad: District In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar launched Indiramma Canteens at Bagh Lingampally and Kawadiguda on Friday, affirming the Telangana government’s dual focus on urban infrastructure and welfare-driven governance. He said the initiative is part of a larger goal to create a “hunger-free Hyderabad.”

He was accompanied by GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, MP Anil Kumar Yadav, MLA Mutha Gopal, and Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha Sobhan Reddy. The canteen inaugurations took place at Sundarayya Park and Kawadiguda, drawing attendance from GHMC officials and local corporators.

After the launch, the dignitaries joined beneficiaries for breakfast and directly gathered feedback on the meals and service.

The Indiramma Canteens, named after the late Ukkku Mahila Indiramma, serve hygienic and subsidised meals. Breakfast and lunch are available at ₹5 each, although the actual costs are ₹19 and ₹29.83 respectively. GHMC covers the remaining costs by contributing ₹14 per breakfast and ₹24.83 per lunch.

The canteens operate between 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, and 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. for lunch. HKM Charitable Foundation manages the cooking and distribution.

Minister Prabhakar said the government plans to scale up the initiative. They will identify new locations in consultation with citizens and elected leaders. According to him, beneficiaries can save up to ₹3,000 monthly through the programme. This offers critical financial relief to daily wage workers, migrants, and other low-income residents.

Mayor Vijayalakshmi and Deputy Mayor Srilatha Reddy reported strong public support for the programme. They noted that the canteens are helping to meet the nutritional needs of the city’s most vulnerable communities.