- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay ordered revamp of Amma canteens across the state
- Amma canteens were launched in 2013 by then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was fondly called "Amma"
- There are 383 Amma Canteens under the Greater Chennai Corporation
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Monday ordered the revamp and modernisation of Amma canteens (or Unavagams), launched during the 2011-16 AIADMK government tenure, across the state.
Launched on February 24, 2013, on the birthday of then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was fondly addressed as "Amma" by her supporters and party workers, the canteens initially opened in Chennai. Later, they were expanded to different towns and cities. The canteens offering subsidised food for the public were an instant hit.
In 2021, when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, or DMK, AIADMK's rival, was voted to power, instead of diluting the scheme, the new government announced it will start another 200 canteens in semi-urban areas over time. It also did not change the name of the scheme.
Vijay has kept the tradition going, and has directed officials to refurbish and improve the infrastructure of Amma Canteens and ensure delicious and quality food to the people.
After feedback that quality and taste of food offered in the Amma Canteens were not satisfactory was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister, he held a review meeting with top officials.
The Chief Minister ordered improvement in amenities, infrastructure, procurement of more cooking utensils/equipment and thereby ensure quality and delicious food to the people, an official release said.
There are 383 Amma Canteens under the Greater Chennai Corporation and 237 under the supervision of other local bodies in the state.
