Annapurna Rasoi Yojana : The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is preparing to launch the Annapurna Kitchen Scheme to provide affordable and nutritious food to poor people, labourers and those in need. Under the scheme, people will be able to get a full meal for just Rs 5, while breakfast is expected to be available for Rs 3. The initiative will initially be launched in all 18 districts with divisional headquarters. Daily wage workers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors and other needy people living in major cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj are expected to benefit from the scheme.

Full Meal Thali Available For Five Rupees
The primary objective of the Annapurna Kitchen Scheme is to provide affordable and nutritious food to economically weaker sections of society. Under the initiative, a full meal will be served for just Rs 5, while breakfast will cost Rs 3. The government plans to include essential food items such as seasonal vegetables, pulses, rice and chapatis to ensure that people receive a balanced meal at an affordable price.

Scheme To Begin In These 18 Districts
In the first phase, the scheme is expected to be implemented in 18 districts with divisional headquarters across Uttar Pradesh. These include Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Meerut, Bareilly, Moradabad, Agra, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Jhansi, Basti, Gonda, Banda, Mirzapur and Saharanpur. Large numbers of labourers, farmers, students and other people in need visit these cities every day for work and other activities. Affordable meals at these locations could provide significant relief.

Focus On Cleanliness And Food Quality
The government is planning to develop Annapurna Kitchens as modern and hygienic canteens. Special guidelines are being prepared to maintain food quality and cleanliness. Agencies responsible for preparing meals and operating the canteens are being selected under the scheme. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath aims to ensure that no one in the state goes to bed hungry and that people in need can access meals with dignity.

Canteens To Open Near Markets And Labour Hubs
Annapurna Kitchen centres will be established at locations with a high movement of people in need. These include grain markets, labour hubs, bus stands, railway stations and areas around government hospitals. Farmers often have to wait for several hours at markets to sell their crops. Similarly, daily wage workers and construction labourers spend a considerable amount on food every day. These canteens will provide them with affordable meals close to their workplaces. A token-based system may also be introduced for serving food.

Scheme May Begin In November
According to officials from the Labour and Employment Department, the target is to launch the Annapurna Kitchen Scheme in mid-November 2026 or immediately after the festive season. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath may inaugurate the initiative. However, the final launch date is still awaiting approval from the Chief Minister's Office. Meanwhile, the process of selecting agencies to prepare food and operate canteens in the 18 districts is underway. Suitable locations near bus terminals, railway stations and hospitals are also being identified.