Chennai
-Gaurav Sharma
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has ordered a state-wide overhaul of Amma Unavagams after complaints about the quality and taste of food served. The decision follows reports sent to the Chief Minister about conditions at the subsidised canteens, which prompted instructions to upgrade facilities and improve daily operations.
An official statement from the Tamil Nadu CMO said Vijay reviewed how Amma canteens function and found that many centres need urgent repairs and better infrastructure. The statement added, “The Municipal Administration Department has been directed to begin renovation works without delay and strengthen operational standards across all outlets,” the statement said.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay ordered a statewide overhaul of Amma Unavagams, mandating facility upgrades and operational improvements due to complaints about food quality and taste. Renovations will focus on hygiene, inspections, and kitchen modernization across the welfare scheme’s urban canteens.
Amma canteens renovation and oversight plans
Officials have been told to tighten checks on Amma canteens, with particular focus on hygiene and food quality. Local bodies must carry out frequent inspections, keep kitchens and dining spaces clean, and respond quickly to complaints from users so that issues about taste or safety do not continue.
The government has asked departments to list the immediate needs of every Amma canteen and place them in order of urgency. Damaged utensils and old kitchen tools will be replaced, and cooking areas will be modernised. Authorities must speed up repair work and procurement, so food preparation becomes safer and more efficient.
Amma canteens operate in many urban areas across Tamil Nadu and are viewed as a major welfare scheme. These outlets serve low-cost, subsidised meals to thousands each day, with a focus on daily wage labourers, urban workers and economically weaker communities who depend on regular, affordable food.
| Amma canteens | Number of outlets |
|---|---|
| Greater Chennai Corporation | 383 |
| Other municipal corporations and municipalities | 237 |
Amma canteens network and related welfare steps
At present, 383 Amma canteens run under the Greater Chennai Corporation, while 237 more operate through other municipal corporations and municipalities. The renovation drive aims to keep this network stable, so people in cities and towns continue to access affordable and nutritious meals without disruption.
Earlier, soon after taking charge as Chief Minister, Vijay ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor shops across Tamil Nadu. These outlets were within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands, and were closed on public welfare grounds after a detailed review.
Before that TASMAC order, Vijay had asked officials to carry out a statewide survey to find liquor shops located near temples, schools, colleges and bus stations. Authorities then received instructions to shut such outlets within two weeks, reflecting the administration’s focus on welfare measures alongside schemes like Amma canteens.
