Starved of notes, not food - thanks to Amma canteen

While confirming the increase in the daily footfalls, women workers of these canteens say that in the past week they had to prepare additional quantity of dishes like idlis, variety rice and chapatti to meet the demand. 

Vouching the claim of the workers, Corporation officials also agreed that there has been a rise in the sale in the ‘unav agams’ after demonetisation. 

According to officials, there are 407 such canteens in the city, which are handled by around 5,000 SHG workers. One of the staff at a canteen in Tondiarpet told DTNext, “Before the demonetisation, we used to prepare 400 idlis for the morning session and 400 chapatis for the night supply. However, after the Centre withdrew some high-value currencies, the number of idlis shot up to 600 and 700 in the case of chapatis. We expect the number to go up.” 

“But, the interesting part is that a majority of the customers tender only in Rs 100s and Rs 50s while paying for the food,” say some staff at the Egmore canteen adding, “we are facing the same issue like other traders do.” 

“Earlier, only the regulars will turn up and most of them will give the exact amount. Now, we have to begin our  day’s work only after ensuring there is enough change,” say cashiers of the canteens. 

A new trend is that even techies and north Indians are part of the Amma canteen’s customer base. A Joel, a private firm staff said, “I have Rs 500 and Rs 20. With the 20-rupee note I can’t eat in hotels. Amma canteen came in handy and now I am a regular.” 

Srinivasan, in-charge of Amma canteens, Greater Chennai Corporation told DTNext “The average daily netted via 407 Amma canteens is around Rs 14.5 lakh before demonetisation. Now it has increased by 8 to 10 percent after demonetisation.”