Meals for 5 rupees in 18 districts of UP; 'Annapurna Rasoi Yojana' to begin in November...
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the launch of the 'Annapurna Rasoi Yojana' (Annapurna Kitchen Scheme) across 18 districts to provide full, satisfying meals to the poor and the destitute. Under this scheme, a complete meal will be made available to the needy for just 5 rupees. The Uttar Pradesh Minister for Labour and Employment announced this initiative for the poor and underprivileged ahead of festivals like Dhanteras, Diwali, and Chhath Puja. It is expected to provide relief to the poor, the helpless, labourers, and daily-wage workers. Similar food outlets, known as 'Atal Canteens', are already operational in several other states, including Delhi. Through the Annapurna Rasoi Yojana, the poor and the destitute will be provided with meals and breakfast for only 5 rupees.
What is the Annapurna Rasoi Yojana?
A full, nutritious meal is provided for just 5 rupees, while breakfast is available for only 3 rupees. The scheme will be launched in all 18 districts that serve as divisional headquarters in Uttar Pradesh. Major districts such as Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj—which host large numbers of migrant labourers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, and students—will benefit from this initiative.
Districts in UP where the scheme will be launched:
Lucknow
Kanpur
Varanasi
Gorakhpur
Ayodhya
Meerut
Bareilly
Moradabad
Agra
Aligarh
Azamgarh
Jhansi
Basti
Devipatan (Headquarters: Gonda)
Chitrakoot (Headquarters: Banda)
Mirzapur
Saharanpur
Annapurna Rasoi Yojana: A 'Smart Canteen'
The canteens under the Annapurna Rasoi Yojana will be maintained with a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene. The government has established specific guidelines to ensure the quality of the food. The meals will include seasonal vegetables, lentils (dal), rice, and rotis, ensuring that the poor receive food that is not only affordable but also healthy. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stated that the objective of his government is to ensure that no one in the state goes to sleep hungry.
**Canteens at Grain Markets and Labor Hubs**
The government will establish canteens in locations such as grain markets and areas where laborers reside, ensuring that those in need have access to full, affordable meals nearby. Farmers will no longer have to struggle to find food; they will be provided with meals in exchange for a nominal token payment. Similar arrangements for low-cost meals will also be made for construction workers. Often, farmers spend many hours at grain markets while selling their produce, and daily-wage laborers frequently incur significant expenses on their daily meals. The 'Annapurna Canteens' will provide them with much-needed relief.
**Launch After the Festive Season**
According to officials from the Department of Labour and Employment, the initiative is slated to begin in mid-November 2026, or in the weeks immediately following the festive season. The ambitious project will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with the specific date yet to be finalized by the Chief Minister's Office. The selection process for agencies tasked with preparing food and operating these canteens has already commenced across all 18 districts that serve as divisional headquarters. Potential sites for these canteens are currently being identified near bus stands, railway stations, and government hospitals.
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