Irrigation Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao launched free meals scheme to devotees at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri here on Wednesday.
The temple would provide free meals to at least 5,000 devotees every day. Hitherto, the free meals are being provided to limited numbers under Annadanam scheme.
Addressing media, the Minister said that the government has decided to provide free meals at all seven major temples, Srikalahasti, Simhachalam, Kanaka Durga temple, Dwaraka Tirumala, Annavaram, etc, in the State. Not less than 5,000 devotees would be provided meals every day, he said.
Mr. Rao said that the free meals would be provided with interest accrued on donations given by devotees. The temple funds would be utilised if there was any gap between funds at disposal and expenditure. The temple incurs Rs. 25 on each meal, he said.
The Minister asked the temple authorities to prepare plans for ensuing Godavari and Krishna pushkarams and Dasara festivities. He also suggested them to complete the ongoing works at the earliest. Vijayawada (West) MLA Jaleel Khan and Temple Executive Officer V. Trinath Rao were present.
