State government plans wider rollout of free meal distribution and temple infrastructure upgrades across Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Thursday announced that the State government would expand the daily Annaprasadam distribution scheme from 52 temples to 116 temples across Andhra Pradesh in the coming months.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of newly constructed accommodation blocks at the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple in Chittoor district.
New Pilgrim Accommodation Opened at Kanipakam Temple
The newly developed accommodation complex was constructed at a cost of ₹14.74 crore and includes 83 rooms, 15 suite rooms and two common halls for devotees visiting the temple.
The minister said the coalition government is prioritising improved pilgrim amenities and accommodation facilities in major temples across the state.
Annaprasadam Scheme Expansion Planned
The Annaprasadam scheme provides free meals to devotees visiting temples and is currently operational in 52 temples.
According to Ramanarayana Reddy, the government plans to more than double the scheme’s reach to 116 temples as part of efforts to improve services for pilgrims and support temple administration.
Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme to Reach More Temples
The minister also highlighted the expansion plans for the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam scheme, which supports daily rituals and offerings in temples.
He said the programme is presently being implemented in 6,229 temples with an expenditure of ₹74 crore and will eventually be extended to 10,000 temples statewide.
In Chittoor district alone, the scheme is being implemented in 183 temples with an allocation of ₹3.39 crore.
Support for Priests and Temple Renovations
Ramanarayana Reddy stated that priests were being appointed in temples lacking basic infrastructure and support systems.
He added that ₹10,000 per month is being deposited into the bank accounts of priests working in such temples.
The minister further said that ₹64.33 crore had been sanctioned under the Common Good Fund for reconstruction and development works in 30 temples in Chittoor district.
₹812 Crore Temple Renovation Drive Underway
Providing details of ongoing temple development projects, the minister said renovation works worth ₹812.67 crore are currently under way in 691 temples across Andhra Pradesh over the last 23 months.
The projects include restoration works, infrastructure upgrades and improvements in facilities for devotees.
SRIVANI Bhajana Mandiralu Initiative
Ramanarayana Reddy also spoke about the SRIVANI Bhajana Mandiralu programme being implemented with the support of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Under the initiative, the government aims to construct 5,000 bhajana mandirams across Andhra Pradesh within two years to promote devotional and cultural activities.
District Collector Sumit Kumar, local MLA K. Murali Mohan and other officials attended the programme.
With inputs from H.S.
Inputs and Image courtesy from Hindustan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Thursday, May 21, 2026 11:32 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Thursday, May 21, 2026 11:32 pm | News Categories: India
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