Lokesh said the Smart Kitchen model is aimed at providing students with hygienic, nutritious, and high-quality midday meals while also creating additional employment opportunities for women and economically weaker sections. He questioned the criticism against the initiative, stating that the government is improving both the quality of food served to students and livelihood opportunities for many families.
According to the minister, the government has launched five Smart Kitchens as a pilot project in YSR Kadapa district. He clarified that all 233 existing cook-cum-helpers working in the schools covered under the pilot continue to remain in service without any job losses. He also said that another 33 Smart Kitchens are planned in the district, and no existing employee will lose employment because of the expansion.
Lokesh further stated that the new Smart Kitchens will generate additional jobs by engaging members of Self-Help Groups. As part of the expansion in Kadapa district, the government plans to employ 38 head cooks, 22 assistant cooks, 256 helpers, and around 76 drivers. He added that similar Smart Kitchen projects across Andhra Pradesh are expected to create thousands of additional employment opportunities while retaining the existing workforce.
Responding to allegations regarding unpaid honorariums, the minister said all 3,450 cook-cum-helpers in YSR Kadapa district have been paid their honorariums up to April 2026. He clarified that no payments are made during May because schools remain closed for summer vacations, while June has not yet concluded. He questioned the basis of the allegations and said the claims about pending payments were incorrect.
Lokesh maintained that the Smart Kitchen initiative is designed to ensure students receive cleaner, safer, and standardized meals prepared under improved hygiene conditions. He said the government’s focus remains on enhancing nutrition, food safety, and the overall quality of midday meals served in government schools across the state.