Amaravati, March 21, 2026: Prominent Telugu orator and Padma Shri awardee Garikapati Narasimha Rao has drawn widespread condemnation for his recent comments on Andhra Pradesh's mid-day meal scheme in government schools.
In widely circulated remarks, Rao likened students who attend school mainly for the free meal to "sobhanapu pellikodukulu" (bridegrooms on their wedding night), suggesting they come only for that "pleasure" and questioned government spending on meals, uniforms, and books.
He also criticized the inclusion of eggs, claiming it burdens teachers with tracking consumption rather than focusing on education.
Student groups like the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) Andhra Pradesh committee called the statements arrogant and insensitive, stressing that the scheme boosts enrollment, cuts dropouts, and combats malnutrition in poor families.
Other voices, including social organizations and online users, demanded a public apology, viewing the comments as derogatory toward underprivileged children.
