AP Food Commission found shortages in anganwadi centers and welfare hostels

AP State Food Commission Chairman Chitha Vijaya Prathap Reddy at a review meeting in Vijayawada on Thursday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Andhra Pradesh State Food Commission found several irregularities, including misuse of stocks, serving expired food to children and using outdated measures in the preparation of meals at some anganwadi centers and mid-day meals in schools.

Though the government is making quality arrangements for mid-day meal (MDM) program in schools and anganwadi centers, the benefits are not getting to the students due to negligent staff, Andhra Pradesh Food Commission Chairman Chitha Vijaya Prathap Reddy said.

The commission served a notice and recommended action against the responsible employees, he said after a review meeting with various ministries on Thursday.

Commission member G. Devi said during an inspection at the Valmikipuram anganwadi center in Annamayya district a few days ago, it was found that chilli powder expired four months ago and raagi flour expired about 20 days ago.

In Dr. BR Ambedkar Gurukulam for girls at Chinthaparthi in Annamayya district, 128 packets of edible oil and wheat flour were being used in the hostel after their expiry date.

“Insects were found in the wheat flour. Rotten jaggery, rotten bananas were found in the stock. Unsanitary conditions were observed in the kitchen,” Ms. Devi said, adding that a show-cause notice was served on the Gurukulam principal.

Another member, Jakkampudi Krishna Kiran, said bags of rice of lower weight (only 42 and 43 kg) were found in some fair price shops and eggs of lower weight were found in some anganwadis in Palnadu district.

Notice boards were not displayed in some fair price shops and kitchens in some schools were not properly maintained in Bapatla district, Mr. Krishna Kiran said.

The commission chairman directed the departments of school education, women development and child welfare, tribal welfare, BC and social welfare to visit schools and anganwadis and take measures to ensure supply of quality food to children.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 23:47 IST