TN Government to Revamp 291 Amma Canteens Launched by AIADMK 12 Years Ago

Chennai, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has started the renovation process for 291 neglected Amma Canteens, allocating Rs 18.61 crore for this initiative, which was first introduced during the AIADMK administration more than a decade ago.

In the wake of replacing damaged utensils at the Amma Unavagams (Amma Canteens), private contractors have been assigned to carry out developmental activities throughout the city.

These canteens were inaugurated on February 24, 2013, coinciding with the birthday of the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa when the AIADMK was in power. Initially established in Chennai, the canteens rapidly expanded to numerous towns and cities, increasing the count in Chennai to 407.

The subsidized canteens, operated by municipalities and corporations with supplies provided by the Civil Supplies Department, have become a vital resource for many. They offer idlis and pongal served with hot sambar and chutney for breakfast, as well as sambar rice and curd rice for lunch – all priced below Rs 10.

Amma Canteens cater to daily wage workers, students, transient communities, early morning commuters, and even software professionals residing away from home. The combination of affordable prices and quality food has contributed to the immense popularity of these canteens. However, for safety reasons, several canteens located in old buildings have been shut down.

At present, 388 Amma Unavagams are operational in Chennai. During a recent visit to an Amma Unavagam in Alwarpet, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed officials to refurbish the deteriorating facilities.

This directive has prompted the replacement of aged cooking utensils, many of which had been used for over a decade. As part of the renovation, GCC’s private contractors will enhance 109 Amma Unavagams in North Chennai, including Tiruvottiyur (Zone 1), Manali (Zone 2), Madhavaram (Zone 3), Tondiarpet (Zone 4), and Royapuram (Zone 5), at a projected cost of Rs 6.22 crore. Similarly, 101 canteens in Thiru Vi Ka Nagar (Zone 6), Ambattur (Zone 7), Anna Nagar (Zone 8), Teynampet (Zone 9), and Kodambakkam (Zone 10) will be renovated for Rs 7.12 crore. An additional 81 canteens in South Chennai will undergo repairs for Rs 5.27 crore.

P.M. Manikantan, an autorickshaw driver in Chennai, shared his thoughts on the evolution of Amma Canteens: “On a busy day, stopping at any Amma Unavagam was the healthiest break for many. But nowadays, many canteens are closed, and some do not operate regularly. Previously, side dishes were virtually unlimited, but now they are limited at certain locations.”

In addition to Chennai, Amma Canteens function in various other districts. Launched on February 24, 2013, on the birthday of then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in Chennai, Amma Canteens (or Unavagams) have expanded to 407 locations due to their popularity. The ongoing renovations aim to restore their functionality and ensure they continue to effectively serve the public.